Lawrence Police: Man Set Fire To Haffner's Gas Pump

LAWRENCE, MA — Lawrence police arrested a man Wednesday who they say set fire to a gas pump Monday, the department said.

There was a fire at the Haffner's service station at 262 Lawrence Street in Lawrence.

Freedery Ledesma-Sosa, 20, of Lawrence was arrested Wednesday and charged with burning personal property and malicious destruction. He was due to be arraigned Thursday.

“Fortunately, the fire self-extinguished quickly and did not set off the fire suppression system," Acting Fire Chief Robert Wilson said. "A fire in a gas station has the potential to be dangerous. I want to commend the investigation team for quickly locating the person responsible for this fire.”

Lawrence police, Lawrence fire and state police with the Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated the fire. The Essex District Attorney's Office is prosecuting.

“I’m grateful for the quick work by the investigators and thankful nobody was hurt," Police Chief Roy P. Vasque said.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.