Police Charge 45-Year-Old Man with Methuen Church Arson

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey.

Police and fire officials Thursday arrested a 45-year-old Lawrence man they believe set fire inside Methuen’s Christian Church Voice of Salvation last month.

Lys Walker Vincent was arrested at noon, in Reading, and charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony and burning a building, according to the city of Methuen and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey’s office. Vincent was identified after an investigation by Methuen Police detectives and State Police assigned to the Fire Marshal’s office.

“This arrest is another great example of strong detective work and sound communication across multiple agencies that brought this person to justice,” Methuen Police Chief Joseph E. Solomon said.

The fire at the 5 Pleasant St. church damaged a rug and some furniture. Methuen Fire and Police received the call Sunday, Sept. 24, just after 10:15 p.m. and remained on scene for about four hours.

Vincent, who gave up without incident, is being held at the Methuen Police Department pending his arraignment in Lawrence District Court.