Webster Man Indicted for Southbridge Arson That Displaced 12 Families
Sept. 28, 2025 — A Worcester County grand jury has indicted Geraldo Cruz-Rivera, 34, of Webster, on charges related to a seven-alarm fire that destroyed two multi-family homes in Southbridge on Nov. 13, 2024, displacing a dozen families.
Cruz-Rivera faces two counts of arson of a dwelling and two counts of malicious damage to a motor vehicle. He was arraigned in Worcester Superior Court and, at the request of the District Attorney’s office, was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Oct. 1.
The blaze began at 5–7 Union Street before spreading to the adjacent building at 9–11 Union Street. Investigators from the Southbridge Fire Department, Southbridge Police, and the State Police Fire Investigation Unit determined the fire originated at ground level in the rear of the building and was intentionally set. Evidence gathered during the joint investigation was later presented to the grand jury.
The early morning fire was reported at about 3:25 a.m., prompting a massive response. Firefighters and apparatus from more than a dozen regional departments battled the flames for hours. One Southbridge firefighter was injured during the operation.
Thanks to working smoke alarms, all occupants escaped safely, though they lost their homes and belongings.
Authorities credited the coordinated investigation, which ultimately led to the indictment and arrest of Cruz-Rivera. He was located and apprehended by Southbridge Police detectives on Sept. 27.
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