SCITUATE — A Scituate man has been arrested on charges of fourth-degree arson and possession of a stolen motor vehicle after a burned vehicle was discovered at Tasca Field on March 20.
Scituate Police Department patrols, along with the fire department, responded to a call at 6:42 a.m. about a vehicle fully engulfed in flames.
The charred remains were identified as a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, which had been reported stolen from a Connecticut resident earlier that morning.
Rhode Island Fire Marshal’s Office was involved in the investigation, with Detective Sergeant Mathew King leading a canvass of the area.
Video evidence from local businesses was crucial in identifying 23-year-old Darrian Phillips of Dayville, Connecticut, as the primary suspect.
Footage showed Phillips buying a red gas can and gasoline, followed by a separate purchase of a blue Bic lighter about 20 minutes later.
A warrant for Phillips’ arrest was issued on March 26, and during its execution, authorities found Phillips already in custody at Warwick PD for an unrelated shoplifting charge.
Upon transfer to Scituate custody, Phillips confessed during interrogation to stealing the vehicle and setting it on fire at Tasca Field.
