Two Charged with Burning Couch on North Main Street

Naugatuck police arrested two men Saturday for allegedly setting fire to a couch on the sidewalk on North Main Street.

Police and firefighters responded to reports of a fire on the street at 300 North Main St. at around 4 a.m. Saturday, where they found a couch in flames. The furniture was put on the sidewalk a few days with a sign saying it was free.

Naugatuck resident John Butler, 29, and David Lepeska, 29, of Hamden, were found walking on Bridge Street later that morning. An investigation by officers determined that the two were walking on North Main Street earlier and had set fire to the couch using lighters.

Both were charged with beach of peace in the second degree, reckless burning and conspiracy to commit reckless burning.

Butler was released on $5,000 bond with a  court date scheduled for March 19.

Lepeska was held on $1,000 and arraigned on Monday. He was released on a promise to appear at his next court date, set for March 21.

Lepeska is also facing  charges in a number of unrelated cases, including breach of peace, criminal mischief and several counts of harassment.