SOUTHBRIDGE — A Webster man was arrested last night after he was indicted by a Worcester County grand jury for allegedly setting a fire that tore through two Southbridge apartment buildings.
Geraldo Cruz-Rivera, 34, was charged with two counts each of arson of a dwelling and malicious damage to a motor vehicle in connection with a November 13, 2024, fire that began at 5-7 Union Street and quickly spread to the adjacent building at 9 -11 Union Street, according to a joint statement from Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., Southbridge Fire Chief Paul Normandin, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. The fire, which was reported at about 3:25 a.m. that day, displaced a dozen families.
Firefighters and equipment from over a dozen regional departments responded to the seven-alarm blaze. One Southbridge firefighter was hospitalized with injuries sustained during the response. Working smoke alarms alerted residents, allowing everyone to escape safely, though the fire destroyed their homes and belongings.
Investigators from the Southbridge Fire Department, Southbridge Police Department, and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office determined the fire began at ground level behind 5-7 Union Street and quickly spread. Authorities concluded the blaze had been intentionally set and continued to collect evidence.
As the investigation progressed, Worcester County prosecutors brought the case before a grand jury, which returned indictments against Cruz-Rivera on Monday. Southbridge police detectives located and arrested him late last night.
“He was arraigned today in Worcester Superior Court,” the Southbridge Police Department said in a statement posted to social media at about 8:00 a.m. this morning. “At the request of District Attorney Early’s office, Cruz-Rivera was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on October 1.”
