By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officers were dispatched to Cumberland Farms on Somerville Ave. last week on reports of a suspicious person starting a fire.

Upon arrival, the officer spoke with a witness who reportedly told them that a man, later identified as Sherwood Byers, who was acting strangely, walked up to her and requested money.  The witness did not provide any money to Byers and he walked away.

She also stated that Byers was able to set a gas pump spout on fire, but unknown means.

Another customer acted quickly, and was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher that was readily available.

After the fire was extinguished, another gas pump spout was set on fire on the other side of Cumberland Farms. This second fire was extinguished by a water hose, which was available a few feet away from the second gas pump.

Byers the reportedly broke off the drain downspout, which was on the side of Cumberland Farms building.

According to reports, Byers ran from the rear of Cumberland Farms, toward Union Sq.

A short time later, Byers was apprehended by police – thanks to descriptions of him provided by witnesses – and placed under arrest on charges of burn personalty, assault and battery, and malicious wanton defacement of property.

Video surveillance was made available to police, and no injuries were reported.