At about 3 a.m. on April 30 residents living at Golden Age Apartments awoke to find a dumpster burning just outside their windows. Police have charged a Norwich man with arson.(Submitted photo)

NORWICH – On Thursday police arrested an alleged arsonist and thief who set fire to a dumpster at a Norwich senior living facility at about 3 a.m. in the morning on Saturday, April 30.

Police also said use of methamphetamine may have played a role in the crimes.

The City of Norwich Police and Fire Department, located only a block away from the fire, promptly responded to the blaze and had it quickly under control and no injuries were reported.

The fire engulfed the dumpster and did damage to the surrounding fences and property at the Golden Age Apartments. The home is an independent living facility for those 62-years-old or older, and for the disabled and handicapped. The home has 99 apartments.

Officials said terrified residents were awakened by the blaze and called for help.

“Were it not for the Norwich Fire Department's quick response, this could have been a deadly incident and an unfathomable outcome,” said NPD Detective Sgt. Reuben Roach. “This was a situation where the fire caused extensive damage to Golden Age Apartments, and put numerous residents’ lives at risk.”

Golden Age Apartments Manager Charyl Irons said, “We are very thankful for the Norwich Fire Department taking care of it right away. And thank you to Detective Roach and Detective (Mark) Martin, they came right over.”

Following an investigation police arrested 42-year-old Todd Lee Jackson, of Norwich, Thursday afternoon, charging him with second and third degree criminal mischief and fifth degree arson for starting the fire at about 3:12 a.m

Jackson was allegedly caught on surveillance video at the home at the time the fire was set.

“Thankfully we have video cameras and police said it was one of the best security systems around,” said Irons.

In the hour before the fire was allegedly started by Jackson, police said he was also caught on surveillance video shoplifting several items inside the Norwich Byrne Dairy convenience store. He is also charged with petit larceny in relation to that incident.

Todd was arraigned in Norwich City Court and held on $10,000 bail.