Crime & Safety

Investigators: Teen Allegedly Used Blow Torch to Start Fire

A 19-year-old from Beverly is being held without bail after being arraigned on multiple arson charges.

The Beverly teenager charged with multiple counts of arson and destruction of property in connection with the Sunday night fire on Folger Avenue has been held in jail without bail.

Zackary Pavia, 19, of 5 Crescent Ave. in Beverly was arraigned Thursday in Salem District Count and plead not guilty to ten counts of arson of a dwelling, 13 counts of malicious destruction of property over $250, breaking and entering in the nighttime for a felony and trespassing. He is represented by Attorney Rebecca Whitehill.

Judge Matthew Machera granted the Commonwealth’s request to hold him without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on July 25. 

Find out what's happening in Beverlywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Sunday night three-alarm fire fire destroyed two houses and damaged eight others. Nobody was injured.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Heidi Sylvanowicz told the court that the defendant allegedly went with two juveniles to 36 Folger Ave. on Sunday and smoked marijuana, according to the Essex County District Attorney's office. After exiting the home that was under construction and unoccupied, Pavia was allegedly seen going back inside carrying a blow torch.

Find out what's happening in Beverlywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The two juvenile males, aged 15 and 17, will be summonsed to court and will both be charged with accessory to arson before the fact, breaking and entering in the nighttime for a felony and trespassing.

Mayor Michael Cahill issued a statement thanking investigators for quickly identifying the suspect. He also acknowledged the work of the firefighters who responded to the fire.

“This significant fire had the potential to be far worse," he said. "The brave actions of our first responders saved lives and prevented much greater loss of property. Our community is truly grateful for their professionalism and their commitment to serving us all."

The fire was jointly investigated by the Beverly Fire Department, Beverly Police Department, and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.