Arson Suspect Arrested on Cocaine Warrant in Fisk School Parking Lot

A Salem man was arrested by undercover detectives in the Mary A. Fisk School parking lot Wednesday on a warrant for cocaine possession.

Rafael Beaumed, 34, was charged with felony possession of a controlled drug (cocaine) and transportation of a controlled drug (cocaine).

The incident triggering the arrest warrant took place on Jan. 28, but Beaumed agreed to help undercover detectives with other drug investigations.

Detectives later learned that Beaumed was allegedly preparing to move south and had moving trucks at his residence. He had not provided any assistance to detectives related to drug investigations and a warrant for the drug charges was sought.

Beaumed was taken into custody in the parking lot without incident and held on $5,000 cash bail.

He also remains the only suspect in an arson case dating back to February 2012. Police believe he intentionally burned down his home at 7 Webster St., although he has not been charged due to lack of evidence. The investigation remains ongoing.