WOLCOTT, Conn. (WFSB) — A crazy call about a basement fire, a car crash and an apartment disturbance landed a man in the custody of Wolcott police.
Police said Alex Chambrella lit a fire in the basement of a home on Edgemont Lane, then fled in a relative’s car.
He then crashed that car into his own vehicle and a parked car before flipping over on Coe Road. Police said he hit a patch of ice.
“He smashed into his own car with the car he’s in, he sideswipes another car, knocks the mirror off and drives as far as Coe Road and hits a sheet of ice. Throws the car onto its roof,” said Wolcott Police Chief Edward Stephens.
Chambrella then received a ride from a passer-by to a nearby apartment complex.
“He jumps in her car, she jumps out at first, but he says I just want a ride to Clearview Hills,” Stephens said.
There, police said he banged on doors and caused a disturbance. He was allegedly “looking for his next wife.”
Police arrived to arrest him.
“He was out there, telling me from everywhere and anywhere, telling me he’s God,” Stephens said. “Recklessly lighting the place on fire, not knowing who was in there. He could’ve taken someone’s life.”
When they saw him, he was wearing only pajama pants.
“He woke me up, I heard a bang,” said eyewitness Irene Albert, who said Chambrella knocked on her door on Wolf Hill Road moments before he was arrested.
In the meantime, however, police said they heard the structure fire call over on Edgemont Street. A cat died in the fire. No people were hurt.
Police are still investigating, but Stephens said it looked as if Chambrella was on drugs. He is being charged with arson and cruelty to animals.
