Fall River man arrested for setting fire to two Somerset eateries

On Sunday, December 16, 2018, at about 5:45AM, the Somerset Fire and Police Departments were dispatched to 191 Slades Ferry Avenue for a reported structure fire.

According to Somerset Police, Upon arrival, heavy fire was showing from the rear of the building in the area of the Asian Buffet and Gridiron Sports Bar. Fire crews quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire outside then forced entry to extinguish the remaining fire inside of the buffet. The Asian Buffet suffered moderate damage and will be closed for an undetermined amount of time, with damage estimated at $25,000. Damage to Gridiron Sports Bar was minimal.

It was learned that video surveillance was available. Fire Chief Scott Jepson and Somerset Fire investigator Capt. Paul Thibault viewed the footage which clearly showed an individual pouring gasoline around the exterior of the building and intentionally starting the fire. Somerset Police Detectives and the State Fire Marshall’s Office were advised about the footage. The Somerset Police were immediately able to identify the suspect due to prior interactions.

A short time later, Planet Fitness called the Police Department reporting an unwanted person. When officers arrived, they found that the unwanted person was the same man who was seen in the video surveillance behind the Asian Buffet. He was subsequently arrested for arson.

The suspect was identified as Kevin Branco. He is 32 years old. His last known address is in Fall River.

The fire remains under investigation by Somerset Police and Fire investigators as well as the State Fire Marshal’s Office.