Homeless Man Charged with Arson, Burglary in Norwich Residential Fire

Eric Boudreau, a 38-year-old homeless man, has been charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree arson, and first-degree criminal mischief following a suspicious fire at a residence on Smith Avenue in Norwich. The fire was reported around 9 p.m. on a Saturday and had already been extinguished by residents when police arrived. Boudreau was identified through witness statements, found a short distance from the scene, interviewed, and subsequently arrested. He was held on a $150,000 bond and arraigned in Norwich Superior Court, where he pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear again in October. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and have requested anyone with information to contact the Norwich Police Department. No further details about the circumstances of the fire have been released at this time.