Great Barrington Police and State Police arrested Harry Sano, 85, Wednesday night for arson of a dwelling house, presenting a false insurance claim, and burning a building to defraud an insurer in connection with the Stockbridge Road fire.
"Though the building was vacant, the act of setting fire to any structure poses a life and safety hazard to civilians and firefighters alike," said Great Barrington Police Chief Paul Storti. "I'd like to thank the investigative team for working so hard to identify the facts and circumstances surrounding what we allege was a deliberately-set fire."
The arrest is connected to the July 7 fire at a building Sano owns that housed the former Wonderful Things gift shop.
"Great Barrington firefighters battled heavy smoke coming from every area of the structure and flames in the basement, first floor, and second floor," said Fire Chief Charles Burger.