Fall River man sentenced to prison for setting fire that required rescue of woman and young child

A Fall River man has pled guilty to setting a fire in the summer of 2022.

According to court records, 43-year-old Jeremy Perreira pled guilty to Arson of a Dwelling and Carrying a Firearm Without a License. He was sentence to not less than 3 years and not more than 4 years with credit of 541 days served.

According to Fall River Det. Sergeant Moses Pereira, at approximately 7:22 p.m. on August 3rd, 2022, the Fall River Police Department responded to 784 Globe Street for a report of a fire in the hallway. Upon arrival, officers observed flames and smoke erupting from the entrance and stairwell.

The Fall River Fire Department responded quickly to address the working fire. Once the threat of a working fire was addressed, investigators began assessing the cause of the fire.

Fall River Fire Department battles south end blaze, rescue two from roof

Investigators quickly suspected that the fire was set intentionally.

Following a joint investigative effort by Detective Nicholas Custadio of the Major Crimes Division, District Fire Chief Neil Furtado of the Fall River Fire Department, and Trooper Mike Fagan of State Fire Marshall’s Office, Perreira was arrested.

A woman and young child were rescued from the flames by members of the Fall River Fire Department.

According to WJAR, a prosecutor previously stated in court that Perriera was helping the woman with errands when he then made romantic advances, but he was turned down. Perreira then confessed to setting a stroller on fire as he left the building.