DERBY — A 27-year-old man has been charged with setting a fire that damaged a shed on the Roseland Apizza property on Thanksgiving.
Jose Guardiano, of Derby, is charged with second-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree breach of peace.
On Thursday (Nov. 27) police, fire and EMS were sent to the restaurant at 350 Hawthorne Ave. at 6:24 p.m. on a report of a structure fire. The first units on scene reported an outdoor shed next to the restaurant was on fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and an investigation commenced.
Police reviewed video from the scene, which showed a man igniting the shed before leaving the scene, according to a prepared statement sent by Derby Police Department Deputy Chief Brian Grogan.
At 7 p.m. police received a report of a man trying to enter an apartment building at 45 Minerva St., a little more than a mile from Roseland.
“Responding Officers located the individual and recognized him as the same person observed lighting the fire in the Roseland’s surveillance footage. Guardiano was detained and subsequently taken into custody,” according to the police statement.
Guardino is being held on a $100,000 bond.
Roseland is a 90-year-old local landmark, widely regarded as one of the best pizzerias in the state.
In a statement posted to Facebook Friday morning (Nov. 28), Roseland addressed the crime.
“Last night, while celebrating Thanksgiving with our families, our business was the target of arson. We are grateful to report that no one was injured. We extend our sincere thanks to the Derby Fire Department, the surrounding towns, and the bystanders who acted quickly—calling 911 and even using our exterior hose to help contain the fire before crews arrived,” the statement read. “We also want to send a huge thank you to the Derby Police Department for their swift response!”