Montville

Groton Police Arrest Man Accused of Setting Occupied Motor Home on Fire

Groton police have arrested a Montville man who is accused of setting a motor home on fire while someone was inside last month.

First responders were called to Crystal Lake Road in Groton on July 27 around 2 a.m. after getting a report of a structure fire.

Officers said the structure was a motor home and was occupied at the time the fire was started. The only person inside was able to escape with minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The motor home, described by police as a 1984 Chevrolet P30 model, was destroyed by the fire and was determined to be a total loss, authorities said.

Fire investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. During the investigation, experts interviewed several witnesses, collected physical evidence and identified a suspect, police added.

On Wednesday, an arrest warrant for 33-year-old Richard Gladue Jr., of Montville, was applied for and granted. Gladue turned himself in to Groton Town Police Headquarters at approximately 6:30 p.m. and was arrested without incident, officers said.

Gladue is facing charges including arson and reckless endangerment. He was held on a court set bond of $500,000 and is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court on Thursday.

Contact Us