Police arrest three in fire bombings

Southington police made several arrests April 30 in connection with fire bombings that occurred March 10. Police said that between 10 p.m. and midnight on March 10, officers responded to several different locations after receiving calls that someone had thrown a Molotov cocktail at residences on Sun Valley Drive, Olson Drive, Stoughton Drive, Reussner Road and College Avenue, Churchill Road and Old Farms Road.  

After an extensive investigation, it was learned that three individuals met at the McDonald's on Queen Street the evening of March 10, and subsequently planned to retaliate for a fight that had occurred earlier in January, where it was also alleged that a stabbing had occurred. They then drove away from McDonald's to random residences throwing one Molotov cocktail at each location, according to police. The Stoughton Drive home allegedly was the location of retaliation. Arrested April 30, via warrant, were Jeffrey Bell, 20, of Whippoorwill Road, Southington; Wayne M. Dionne Jr., 20, of Wolcott; and a 17-year-old male from Bristol, who police did not identify.

Bell was charged with six counts of second degree reckless endangerment, six counts of conspiracy to manufacture bombs, six counts of conspiracy reckless burning, two counts of conspiracy second degree criminal mischief, two counts of conspiracy third degree criminal mischief, six counts of reckless burning, two counts of second degree criminal mischief, and two counts third degree criminal mischief.

Bell was given a court date of May 1 and bond was set at $75,000.

Dionne was charged with six counts second degree reckless endagerment, six counts of conspiracy to manufacture bombs, six counts of conspiracy reckless burning, two counts conspiracy second degree criminal mischief and two counts consiracy to commit third degree criminal mischief.

Dionne was given a May 5 court date and bond was set at $50,000

The unidentified 17-year-old male was arrested May 5 on warrant and charged with six counts second degree reckless endangerment, six counts, six counts of conspiracy to manufacture bombs, six counts of conspiracy reckless burning, two counts of conspiracy second degree criminal mischief, and two counts conspiracy third degree criminal mischief. He was given a May 6 court date and bond was set at $50,000.