HOLYOKE — After a two-week investigation, two suspects have been charged with arson following a fire on Nov. 4 at 268 Pine St. that consumed a three-story multifamily home and displaced six residents.
Holyoke and State Police on Monday charged Anthony Ortiz Correia, 40, and Naysha Merced Gonzalez, 42, with burning a dwelling, attempted murder, and causing injury to a firefighter in the line of duty for allegedly setting the fire. After police recovered a handgun and cocaine during their arrest, they were also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and trafficking a Class B substance.
“The continued investigation led to the identification of both suspects and supported a warrant for their arrests, which was executed yesterday (Monday) in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies,” according to a statement from the state Department of Fire Services.
The pair were expected to be arraigned in Holyoke District Court on Tuesday.
Following the fire, investigators concluded that the house, built in 1885, was intentionally set on fire although no motivation has been cited. High winds then fanned the flames, resulting in a rapid spread throughout the house.
The large amount of water needed to fight the fire also stirred up sediment in the city’s pipes and water was discolored throughout the city following the early morning blaze that began began at 6 a.m. and took most of the morning to put out.
The investigation was led by Holyoke police and fire departments and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.
