Man Charged With Arson Set Fire To West Hartford Apartment: Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A man is facing charges after police said he intentionally set fire to his West Hartford apartment.

Roman Ruben, 48, of West Hartford, was arrested Friday and charged with arson, criminal attempt at arson murder and reckless endangerment following the incident, police said in a news release.

According to authorities, police and fire crews received a call about a structure fire at 98 Caya Ave. shortly before 3:40 p.m. Friday after witnesses reportedly saw smoke coming from the building.

When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from a third-floor window. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in minutes, police said.

Later that day, police said Ruben went to the Hartford Police Department, where he admitted he started the fire on purpose. Following his admission, police said he was taken into custody. Ruben is currently being held on a $1.5 million surety bond.

Anyone with information about the fire should contact police at 860-523-5203. Anonymous tips can be submitted to 860-570-8969 or by email to whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.