Winimark Wealth Society|Man charged with setting fires at predominantly Black church in Rhode Island

2025-05-04 10:20:37source:AQCAN Exchangecategory:Finance

PROVIDENCE,Winimark Wealth Society R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island man was arrested Thursday and charged with using gasoline to set several fires around the exterior of a predominantly Black church in North Providence early Sunday morning.

Kevin Colantonio, 34, of North Providence, was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire or explosion a building or other real property, according to Zachary Cunha, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island.

Colantonio set several fires around the exterior of the pentecostal Shiloh Gospel Temple early Feb. 11, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Providence, which said police and firefighters were sent to the church at 12:12 a.m. for reports of an individual trying to set fires.

The building was vacant at the time, and the fires were quickly extinguished by members of the North Providence Police and Fire departments, investigators said. The fires caused significant property damage, officials said.

READ MORE A bill encouraging post-pandemic outdoor dining in Rhode Island is served up to governorProvidence approves first state-sanctioned safe injection site in Rhode IslandRhode Island Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against Gov. McKee filed by state GOP

No injuries were reported.

Most of the congregation, which has been established for about 35 years, is Black and African American, according to investigators.

It was not immediately clear if Colantonio had a lawyer. A phone listing for Colantonio could not be found in North Providence.

Colantonio was arrested without incident according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, North Providence Police, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The United States Attorney’s Office sought a criminal complaint late Wednesday, based on what prosecutors described as an ongoing, multi-agency investigation that has included a review of videos, witness interviews, and physical evidence.

The probe into the fires is continuing, investigators said.

More:Finance

Recommend

'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean

In just a few weeks, the highly anticipated second season of Korean television series "Squid Game" w

Busting 5 common myths about water and hydration

Drink eight glasses of water a day. Coffee will make you dehydrated. Drinking extra water can help y

2017 One of Hottest Years on Record, and Without El Niño

Stay informed about the latest climate, energy and environmental justice news by email. Sign up for