Homeless Man Arrested for Starting Four Hyannis Fires

A 27-year-old man wanted for four residential arsons in the same Hyannis neighborhood was arrested on Nov. 17.

Matthew Pungitore, who's last known address was in West Yarmouth, was charged with four counts of arson for the fires at 45 Pilgrim Lane, 33 Pilgrim Lane, 27 Pilgrim Lane and 135 Baxter Road.

According to Barnstable Police, the first fire was reported at approximately 4 a.m. on April 20, 2013. The other three fires were discovered shortly after.

A fingerprint from at least one of the crime scenes was a match for Pungitore.

Upon his arrest, Pungitore told Barnstable Police Arson investigator Detective York that "he had been homeless in April and admitted to breaking into a home on Pilgrim Lane and turning on a stove to stay warm."

Pungitore told police some towels caught fire and he left the house without notifying anyone. He also admitted to entering a second Pilgrim Lane home where another stove he turned on started a blaze.

The suspect was arranged in Barstable District Court and held on $50,000.