Swampscott group home resident charged with arson

SWAMPSCOTT – Charges have been filed against the resident of a Swampscott group home for allegedly trying to burn down a fence.Charges have been filed in Lynn District Court against Jason Surels, 29, 9 Paradise Road #2, for allegedly setting fire to a fence a 7 Spring Court, according to police.Detective Sgt. Tim Cassidy said police received a report on Aug. 15 from a resident who reported someone had tried to burn his fence.”The residents returned home after being away for a week,” Cassidy said. “He notices someone tried to burn the fence around his yard. Detective Ted Delano, who is the arson investigator for the department, led the investigation.”Cassidy said Delano was assisted by Swampscott Fire Department Acting Lt. Robert Surrette and State Police Trooper Justin Pledge.Cassidy said as the result of the investigation, Surels was charged with burning personal property and he would be summoned into court at a later date.The group home is operated by Bridgewell, which operates residential facilities for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Calls to Bridgewell were not returned on Thursday.