Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A local man has been arrested for arson in connection with a fire that destroyed the home of Kim Becker, 51, on the Easton Rd. on Nov. 20.
“Robert LaPointe, 62, of Presque Isle, was arrested Friday and charged with arson, following his release from Eastern Maine Medical Center,” said Tim Lowell, senior investigator with the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office. LaPointe, who sustained unspecified injuries – reportedly self-inflicted – was found in a vehicle at the scene, shortly after Presque Isle firefighters arrived to fight the blaze. LaPointe was transported by Crown Ambulance to The Aroostook Medical Center and was subsequently transported by Lifeflight helicopter to EMMC in Bangor for treatment. Upon discharge, LaPointe was taken into custody and transported to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton.
Lowell said not motive was being released at this time. Evidence was reportedly found at the scene indicating the fire was intentionally set.
Bail was set at $100,000 single surety or $20,000 cash.
“A status conference is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2009 at Caribou Superior Court,” said Deputy D.A. Carrie Linthicum.
According to Linthicum, LaPointe was believed to still be in custody, unable to make bail or conditions for release.
“He needs a 24/7 court-approved custodian. No one has approached me about such at this point,” said Linthicum.
The house sustained considerable damage and was believed to be a total loss. No one else was injured as the result of the fire.
