NORWICH – The Norwich City Police Department has arrested a man who they believe was responsible for starting a fire in the middle of the city earlier this week.

Daryl Kingery, 44, of West Main Street, Norwich was arrested following a fire and police investigation into the Monday blaze which left 52 West Main Street seriously damaged. Kingery was charged with reckless endangerment of property, second degree criminal contempt and second degree reckless endangerment for allegedly damaging property, endangering the welfare of other citizens and violating an order of protection said Police Chief Joseph Angelino. No one was injured during the fire, but Norwich fire crews were at the scene for over an hour and a half.

Investigators believe the cause of the fire was a lawn mower left near the house. The fire began outside of the home and burned the back deck before forcing its way inside the building.

Kingery, who was drinking that afternoon, left his mower running and unattended for an extended period of time, said witnesses. When he returned the gas had run low and while attempting to refill the tank with gasoline he ignited the fire.