UPDATE: Suspect who jumped from East Providence window ID’ed

By: Sam Fenlon

sfenlon@abc6.com

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A man identified as Joseph Masi, is under arrest for domestic strangulation in a case involving his ex-girlfriend in East Providence. Police tell ABC 6 News that Masi barricaded himself in his ex’s home on Apulia street and set fire to her bedroom.

Officers ended up at the house after the victim went to the East Providence Police Department on Tuesday morning to report abuse. It was only when she returned to her home with police that they discovered Masi had broken in and set a fire.

"They found that it was locked. They tried to force their way into the bedroom and they realized that it was being blockaded. A second attempt to get into the door showed that their were flames coming from inside,” said Major William Nebus.

Police quickly left the home with the victim after realizing her bedroom was on fire. Masi had found his own way out.

"From the second floor window he had to jump to escape the fire,” said Nebus. "His claim was that it was a cigarette but we are investigating at this time."

He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after jumping from the fire.

Police are investigating this case as arson. More charges could be filed against Masi. The investigation is ongoing.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016