Barrington police charged Donald E. Hixson III, 40, of Milford, Mass., with arson-second degree, following an investigation into a pair of house fires that occurred in Barrington in Nov. 2016.

Local police worked with the State Fire Marshal's Office investigating two fires that were set inside 2 Northwest Passage on two consecutive nights in early Nov. 2016. Officials found evidence at the scene and sent it to the state crime lab for analysis.

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross said the DNA found on the evidence matched that of Mr. Hixson. Officers arrested Mr. Hixson on a warrant on Thursday, Feb. 8.

"He is being uncooperative at this time," said Chief LaCross about Mr. Hixson. "He has a lengthy criminal record."

Police and fire officials were first made aware of a suspicious situation on Nov. 2, 2016, when a Realtor who was listing the home for sale noticed something strange inside the home. Officials said it appeared someone had tried to start a fire inside the home, but the fire had put itself out.

Firefighters were back on the scene later that same day when neighbors to the home noticed a fire inside the vacant house. Firefighters extinguished that blaze but not before some of the interior was damaged.

Investigators returned to the house following the second fire and reportedly located the key piece of evidence. 

"This was a great cooperative effort," said Chief LaCross. "That is a great arrest."

Mr. Hixson was arraigned in Milford District Court on Feb. 7. He posted $15,000 cash bail with the understanding that he would turn himself into Barrington police within 48 hours. He stopped by the Barrington Police Department at about 10:25 a.m. on Feb. 8 and was arrested.

Police would not comment on a possible motive for Mr. Hixson's alleged acts of arson.