Man arrested for alleged arson after Newport condo fire

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Newport Police Department said a man was arrested for allegedly starting a fire at a condominium complex on Thursday morning.

Joseph Fragata, of Portsmouth, was charged with First Degree arson.

Firefighters responded to the Misty Harbor Condominiums around 4 a.m. to find an active fire.

Firefighters from multiple towns were able to contain the fire to three of 14 units, and only four other units sustained smoke and water damage.

The fire marshal ruled out an electric fire as the cause, and a K-9 unit allegedly located an accelerant near the origin of the fire.

Police said they identified Fragata as a suspect, and obtained a search warrant for his arrest as well as a search of his vehicle and cell phone.

Fragata was taken into custody without incident and is expected in court on Feb. 21.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact Det. Matthew Clarizio at 401-845-5775.