RI Man Accused Of Setting North Providence Church On Fire

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI — A Rhode Island man is in federal custody after prosecutors said he set a North Providence church on fire.

Kevin Colantonio, 34, of North Providence, was arrested at his home Thursday and was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire or explosion any building or other real property.

Prosecutors said the charges stem from an investigation into several fires set Sunday around the outside of Shiloh Gospel Temple on Charles Street.

According to court documents, Colantonio set several fires around the exterior of the church shortly after midnight. The building was vacant when the fire occurred. It was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported, prosecutors said.

Church surveillance footage helped investigators identify Colantonio as the arson suspect, prosecutors said.

According to court documents, two North Providence police officers saw a man walk into the area carrying a gasoline can. Prosecutors said police learned the man, later identified as Colantonio, bought gas and a lighter at a nearby Cumberland Farms. Prosecutors said witness interviews and physical evidence collected from the scene also led to Colantonio's arrest.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.