West Dennis Man Arrested in Three Arson Fires

At approximately 12:15am Friday morning, Dennis Patrolman Matt Turner, discovered the barn at the rear of 401 Route 28 (formerly The Columns Restaurant) fully involved in fire. Dennis Police reported the fire to the Dennis Fire Department who responded to the scene.  The fire completely destroyed the structure which was assessed by the Town at $47,000.

Dennis Police and Fire investigators, and State Police personnel assigned to the State Fire Marshall’s office, determined that the fire was intentionally set in a joint investigation. During the investigation, Dennis Police located a person of interest residing at the Plantation Condominiums, 371 Route 28.  A complex located next door to the fire scene.  As a result of further investigation and questioning by Dennis Police detectives, Kevin M. Gannon, 46 years of age, of 371 Route 28 (Plantation Condominiums) West Dennis.was arrested and charged with Arson of a Dwelling, for his intentionally setting of the fire that destroyed the barn located at the rear of the former restaurant.

Additionally, Mr. Gannon is being charged in connection with two recent fire related incidents which occurred in close proximity to his residence in West Dennis during the past week. In the first incident Mr. Gannon is being charged with one count of Breaking & Entering a Motor Vehicle and one count of Burning of Personal Property (Motor Vehicle) in connection with the arson fire to a motor vehicle parked at the Bay State Hot Rod shop, located at 331 Route 28 West Dennis. 

This incident was reported to police on Friday evening March 23, 2007 and totally destroyed a 1995 GMC Jimmy four wheel drive vehicle which was being restored at the shop.  The estimated loss in this instance was $1,000. In the second incident Mr. Gannon is charged with one count of Arson to a Building under renovation at 459 Route 28 West Dennis. 

This incident was reported to the police on Monday morning March 26^th and is believed to have occurred sometime during the previous weekend.  The building received only minor damage. No one was injured as a result of the fires. 

Mr. Gannon was held without bail at the Dennis Police Station and was scheduled to be arraigned in Orleans District Court this morning.