Early-Morning Arson at Occupied Watson Place Home Leads to Arrest in Utica

On May 31st, 2026 at approximately 3:00AM Utica Police and Utica Fire units were dispatched to an address on Watson Pl regarding a structure fire.

Upon arrival Police personnel noticed that the exterior of the residence was on fire, and immediately utilized fire extinguishers to put out the visible flames, and also were able to evacuate three tenants from different apartments. UFD arrived within moments and took over additional fire suppression efforts.

Through the investigation officers were provided with surveillance footage showing a suspect intentionally setting the home on fire. Based on having a prior familiarity with the party depicted, he was immediately identified by on scene officers. Furthermore, it was known that the individual in the video was in a relationship with a second floor tenant. Based on these factors, investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division were called back to assume assignment of the incident.

Later in the day the suspect, Jose Perez age 63 of Utica, was located on Stark St and transported to the Utica Police Department.

At the conclusion of the investigation Perez was charged with:

Arson in the second degree (occupied dwelling