Newtown Police have arrested a former Community Center employee on arson and criminal mischief charges.  Police say the arrest of 26-year old George DeWitt Wight Ferris on Wednesday stems from an investigation into a fire in an exterior bathroom at the facility in February.  Ferris’ last day of employment was December 31st, and the Center Director says he never had any behavioral issues at work, leaving on his own terms. 

Police and firefighters responded to the Newtown Community Center in the evening of February 27th on a report of a burning odor in the building.  An employee then reported flames and smoke coming from an outdoor men’s bathroom.  The fire was started in a wall-mounted garbage and sparked a fire in the paper towel dispenser above the garbage. 

Police say surveillance video showed the suspect drive off the property and park on Simpson Street, facing the community center, "as if to monitor the situation and/or the response to the fire at the building.” 

He’s pleaded not guilty and remains held on bond. He's due back in court on June 1.