MANCHESTER — A Manchester man faces arson charges after allegedly setting fire to a local mental health facility while 21 people were inside.
Christopher Michaud, 33, was charged with arson of an occupied structure after the April 30 incident at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester.
Police and fire personnel responded to the facility at 323 Manchester Street shortly before 2 a.m. following reports of a fire.
The Manchester Fire Department safely evacuated the building with no injuries reported.
Investigators determined Michaud allegedly used a lighter to start the fire in a room at the facility.
Authorities believe Michaud was aware the building was occupied and that his actions placed others at risk.
Michaud was inside the facility at the time of the incident, according to police.
