Connecticut Man Faces Arson and Attempted Murder Charges

According to a release from the Connecticut State Police, an arrest has been made following a lengthy investigation into a house fire that took place in Thompson nearly two years ago. The fire happened on May 13, 2024, on Buckley Hill Road, and investigators say the case has remained active ever since.

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State Police say an arrest warrant was approved by Danielson Superior Court on February 3, 2026, after what they described as an extensive investigation. Just a few days later, on February 6, the accused was taken into custody at Danielson Superior Court on an active arrest warrant. Police say the arrest took place around 10:41 a.m., and the individual was processed according to department procedures before being brought in for arraignment later that morning.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Walter J. Lawson of Putnam, is facing several serious charges. Those include first-degree arson involving an occupied building, conspiracy to commit first-degree arson, and two counts of criminal attempt to commit murder. Police noted that the alleged incident involved an occupied residence, which significantly elevated the severity of the charges.

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Lawson was held on a court-set bond totaling $500,000, listed as a cash or surety bond. He was scheduled to be arraigned at Danielson Superior Court, located on School Street in Danielson.

State Police also made it clear that this case is far from over. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say additional arrests are anticipated as detectives continue to work through the evidence and circumstances surrounding the fire.

As with all cases, these charges are allegations, and Lawson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. State Police have not released further details at this time, but more information is expected as the investigation continues.