Not long after arriving in Whitman, a Middleton man made his way to Regal Marketplace, a liquor and specialty foods store on Route 27.
“We believe he hopped on a train and just landed in Whitman,” said Scott Benton, the Chief of Whitman Police.
“I almost think maybe he wanted to get locked up because it was so cold out and he was homeless and had nowhere to go.”
Chief Benton released security footage from market’s rear parking lot, where a man police identified as 34-year-old Sean McCarthy was seen moving one wood pallet and soaking another in gasoline.
Minutes later, an off-camera dumpster behind the store erupted in flames.
“He probably threw the pallet in there, threw the gasoline canister and just lit it on fire,” said Tom Vemis, the owner of Regal Marketplace.
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Vemis went on to tell how police were wrapping up and just about to leave when McCarthy returned to the parking lot. He matched the description of the person in the video – and he reeked of gasoline.
McCarthy was arraigned at Brockton District Court, where his lawyer said he has a history of substance abuse and is ready to get clean.
“I think everybody here wants to see an individual like this who does want recovery and help to get the help he needs,” said McCarthy’s lawyer at the hearing.
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