Man Accused of Trying to Set Conn. Police Station on Fire: 'Burn it Down'

April 3, 2025

Officers stopped a man who allegedly poured lighter fluid on the front door of the New Haven Police Department and then began flicking a lighter while yelling, "Burn it down."

By Justin Muszynski

Source Hartford Courant

A man was arrested for allegedly trying to burn down the New Haven Police Department on Wednesday.

Officers responded to the department’s headquarters at 1 Union Ave. at 7:21 a.m. after a man was seen pouring lighter fluid on the front door, according to police.

As officers approached the man, he was allegedly flicking a lighter trying to ignite the fluid and yelling things like “burn it down,” police said. He was identified as 44-year-old Jose Delagado, according to police.

Delgado was taken into custody and charged with first-degree breach of peace and attempted first-degree arson of an occupied building. He was held in custody pending an arraignment in New Haven Superior Court.

According to court records, Delgado remains held on a $50,000 bond and has not entered a plea. He is due back in court on April 24.

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