At approximately 11:15 p.m. Monday night, members of the Village of Walton Police Department and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office conducting a property check at 52 Burton Street in the Village discovered a structure fire within the residence at that location. They immediately extinguished the fire while the Walton Fire Department responded to the scene. Officers were then forced to flee from the residence due to nearly being overcome by smoke inhalation. Upon leaving the residence, officers heard a hissing sound within the residence and then re-entered the residence where they discovered an open natural gas line in the area of the fire which was immediately shut down. The residence sustained minor damage as a result of the fire.

Authorities say an investigation revealed that the fire had been intentionally set and a main natural gas line valve was intentionally opened. As a result 31 year old David Thompson of Walton and 38 year old Henry Stellato III of Hamden were both arrested for third degree arson and 2nd degree burglary. Thompson was also charged with first degree Attempted Criminal Mischief and first degree Reckless Endangerment. Stellato also faces a charge of fourth degree conspiracy. Thompson is in the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court proceedings. While Stellato is in the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 cash bail.

David Thompson, Delaware County Sheriff
David Thompson, Delaware County Sheriff
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Henry Stellato III, Delaware County Sheriff
Henry Stellato III, Delaware County Sheriff
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