Southbridge man arrested after trying to set car on fire at Webster apartment complex

WEBSTER — On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at approximately 8:19 p.m., Webster police were dispatched to the Hartley Terrace apartment complex, following a report of a man attempting to light a vehicle on fire.

According to a statement from the Webster Police Department, it was also reported that the man was armed with a taser and fled on foot after attempting to ignite the fire.

Officers obtained a description of the suspect and quickly established a perimeter around the apartment complex while searching the area.

Witnesses told police the man ran down Didonato Avenue toward East Main Street, according to the Webster Police Department.

While in the area of Racicot Avenue near East Main Street, Detective Timothy Whiting observed three men walking on East Main Street near Brodeur Avenue. Police said two of the men matched the description provided by witnesses.

Detective Whiting, who was assisted by Officer Nicholas Trinque, stopped the two men and identified them. While speaking with them, the officers heard the sound of metal hitting the ground, the Webster Police Department said.

Detective Whiting then shined his flashlight at the ground and observed a large kitchen knife and taser near the feet of one of the men. The man, who was later identified as Jose Mandujano, 34, of Pleasant Street in Southbridge, was handcuffed and later arrested following further investigation.

The other man was determined not to be involved and was released, Webster police said.

“The investigation revealed that Mr. Mandujano had walked up to a specific vehicle parked at Hartley Terrace and poured gasoline all over the vehicle,” the Webster Police Department said in its statement. “Mr. Mandujano attempts to light the gasoline; however, it does not ignite the vehicle and instead, lights the gas can on fire. This appears to be a targeted event and it is not believed to be random.”

Police said Mandujano also had a separate warrant for his arrest.