Pawtucket woman arrested after apartment fire forces evacuation

November 19, 2017 11:07 am

By News Staff

Email: news@abc6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PAWTUCKET, R.I (WLNE) — Police made an unexpected arrest Saturday while responding to a fire in a Pawtucket apartment building.

While investigating an early morning fire at the corner of Bagley and Capital Streets, Pawtucket Police discovered that one of the buildings tenants, Zaida Barreto, 42, had outstanding warrants for her arrest.

During a custodial search, Barreto was discovered to be in possession of a pill bottle containing cocaine.

Barreto was arrested on outstanding warrants, and also charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct after striking an officer during an evaluation at the hospital. She is scheduled to be arraigned Sunday.

Pawtucket Police and Fire responded to the apartment fire around 7:45 a.m. Saturday. The fire was believed to have started near a staircase leading to the basement, Pawtucket Fire officials say, and appeared to be suspicious in nature.

The 1st 2nd, and 3rd floor tenants were evacuated from the building and no injuries were reported.