ESSEX — On Nov. 1, at approximately 9:59 p.m., Essex Police Department officers responded to reports of a fire at a business located at 217 Pearl Street.
Upon arrival, they discovered a rug ablaze in front of the establishment and a man identified as William Cole, 38, of Johnson, surrendering with his hands raised.
Cole confessed to igniting leaves inside a mailbox attached to the building and attempting to break into the premises by hurling a metal object at the front door.
The door’s double-pane glass prevented him from gaining entry.
With a history of interest in several arson cases since 2000, including a recent arson charge at a Walmart in Williston, Cole was charged with attempted arson, unlawful mischief, and violation of conditions of release.
He was lodged at Northwest Correctional Center with bail set at $500.
