A Portsmouth man is facing first-degree arson charges after allegedly setting fire to a Newport condominium complex early Thursday morning.
Joseph Fragata, from 112 Viking Drive in Portsmouth, was arrested at his home around 6 p.m. Thursday. This followed an investigation into the fire at Misty Harbor Condominiums on 26 West Narragansett Ave.
The blaze broke out at about 4:03 a.m., requiring multiple agencies to respond and causing traffic issues in the area. Thames Street was shut down between Wellington Avenue and Narragansett Avenue until about 10 a.m.
Newport Police Lt. Joseph C. Carroll said in a statement that the fire was contained to three of the 14 units, with four more units affected by smoke and water damage.
The Rhode Island State Fire Marshal has ruled out electrical causes for the fire. A K-9 unit detected an accelerant near where the fire started.
Investigators identified Fragata as a suspect after gathering evidence, including video footage. They issued an arrest warrant, along with search warrants for his vehicle and cell phone.
Fragata, who has a long criminal record in Massachusetts, was interviewed, booked, and processed at the Newport Police Station. He’s set for arraignment on Feb. 21 in Newport County District Court.
The fire displaced several residents, with the Red Cross stepping in to help those affected.
The incident involved teamwork between several agencies, including Newport Police and Fire Departments, Naval Station Newport Fire Department, and fire departments from Middletown, Portsmouth, North Kingstown, Tiverton, and Jamestown.
Newport Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Matthew Clarizio at 401-845-5775.
On Friday, February 21, Newport Police issued the following press release and photos.
The Newport Police Department is looking for assistance from anyone who may have seen the below person or vehicle in the area of the Misty Harbor Condos, 26 West Narragansett Ave, Newport. This person or his vehicle may have been in area on February 20, 2025 between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. He is a white male, 5’2” and about 170 pounds.
Also, this person resides in Portsmouth in the Viking Drive, Boyd’s Lane & Park Ave areas.
If you have any information or home or business cameras that may have seen this person or vehicle, please reach out to Detective Matthew Clarizio at 401-845-5775 or email mclarizio@cityofnewport.com. Thank you for any assistance
