Suspected Pittsfield Arsonist Arraigned

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A man accused of setting fires in four places in September was arraigned in Berkshire Superior Court on Tuesday.

 

Phillip Jordan is facing four counts of burning a dwelling house. He was ordered by Judge John Agostini to be held without bail. Jordan is being represented by Attorney Rinaldo Del Gallo.

 

The charges originated from fires allegedly intentionally set on September 22, 2018. That evening there were four fires started - the largest at Jordan's home on Appleton Avenue. The other firsts were reported on Fort Hill Avenue, Ridge Avenue, and then on Brown Street. 

 

No one was injured in any of the blazes. Police later identified Jordan as a suspect but he had fled the area. He was arrested at the Canadian border by U.S. Customers and Border Patrol agents at the Highgate Port of Entry in Vermont two days later without incident. 

 

Jordan was charged in Vermont on a fugitive from justice charge and was later extradited back to Massachusetts. The 59-year old is now being held pending a dangerousness hearing.