ATF Philadelphia, DAO Announce Arrest for Series of Arsons in West Philadelphia

For the District Attorney
Jane Roh, 215–686–8711, Jane.Roh@phila.gov

For ATF Philadelphia
Special Agent Rob Cucinotta, 215–446–9678, Robert.J.Cucinotta@usdoj.gov

PHILADELPHIA (September 22, 2021) — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and District Attorney’s Office (DAO) on Wednesday announced the arrest of Carlos Barry (DOB: 07/26/1996), who is accused of igniting at least two fires in West Philadelphia that injured two people and caused substantial property damage.

ATF Philadelphia Field Division’s Arson and Explosives Task Force has been investigating a series of suspicious fires in West Philadelphia since the beginning of June. The Arson and Explosives Task Force comprises ATF Special Agents, Philadelphia Police Department Detectives, and Philadelphia Fire Marshal’s Office Investigators. Investigators determined all of the fires were incendiary in nature and likely linked to the same individual.

On Tuesday, members of the ATF Arson and Explosives Task Force located and detained Barry after an arrest warrant was approved by the DAO. Barry faces multiple charges of Arson, Risking/Causing a Catastrophe, Criminal Mischief, and related offenses. Among the incidents for which the DAO seeks to hold Barry accountable are a September 12th rubbish fire and a September 18th house fire, both in Philadelphia’s 18th Police District.

Additional charges are possible as the Arson and Explosives Task Force investigation continues.

“I want to thank ATF Philadelphia and our law enforcement partners that constitute the Arson and Explosives Task Force for pursuing these incidents before they could result in loss of life,” District Attorney Larry Krasner said. “The District Attorney’s Office will now seek to hold this individual appropriately accountable, which may include ensuring he receives behavioral health services and treatment.”

“Acts of arson are dangerous crimes which threaten the community,” said Matthew Varisco, Special Agent in charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “ATF is committed to keeping the public safe from those who maliciously set fires. We appreciate the dedication of our partners in the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Fire Marshal’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office who worked tirelessly to thoroughly investigate these acts of violence and to hold the responsible individual accountable.”

ATF’s Arson and Explosives Task Force is still investigating additional fires (location and dates below) which occurred in West Philadelphia and may be connected to this defendant:

• 6028 Spruce Street (Porch Swing) on 08/09/2021
• 61 N. 56th Street Macho Mini Market (Trash Fire) on 08/09/2021
• 5944 Market Street (Trash Fire) on 08/10/2021
• 6127 Spruce Street (House Fire) on 08/10/2021
• 6100 Delancey Street (Trash Fire) on 08/10/2021
• 6000 Pine Street (Trash Fire) 0n 08/10/2021
• 4301 Ludlow Street (Dumpster Fire) 0n 08/14/2021
• 5419 Chestnut Street (Rear Porch Fire) on 08/15/2021
• 6000 Locust Street (Trash Fire) on 08/15/2021
• 668 N Conestoga Street (House Fire) on 08/15/2021
• 5711 Arch Street (Garage Fire) on 08/20/2021
• 5519 Ludlow Street (Porch Fire) on 08/21/2021

Members of the public who have information that may help these investigations are urged to contact ATF Philadelphia at 215–446–7800.

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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually.