A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with an August fire that destroyed a Somerville house and damaged nearby buildings, police announced Thursday. John Grasso, who is currently unhoused, was arrested for Wanton destruction of property and breaking and entering a building in the nighttime, the Somerville Police Department said. The Somerville Police and Fire Departments and Massachusetts State Fire Marshal arrested Grasso in a joint effort, police said.
A large ball python was seen slinking along the road in Somerville, leading to speculation about whether it is an escaped pet. The snake is white with black and brown patches, measuring approximately 3 to 4 feet long.