Manchester man charged with arson in overnight fires
May 8—A man is facing multiple counts of arson following several fires overnight Wednesday in the area of Merrimack, Middle, and Pleasant Streets.
Manchester Fire officials believed the fires were intentionally set, noting that each fire was located near residences and flammable material was found in the vicinity. A propane grill was used in one fire, and items were placed on a deck and ignited in another. A man was seen in the area carrying a white plastic bag.
Police arrested Nicholas Knee, 41, of Manchester (no set address), charging him with three felony counts of arson, and one count of attempted arson.
Manchester Police and Fire are jointly investigating other fires that occurred in the same area. Anyone with information about these fires can contact the Manchester Fire Marshal Division at (603) 669-2256 or Detective Ryan Heile at rheile@manchesternh.gov or (603) 792-5534.
