Salem Man Faces Arson Charge, Held Without Bail After Waite Street Fire

SALEM, MA — A Salem man is facing an arson charge after an investigation into the fire at a commercial property on Waite Street last week determined that it was suspicious.

Salem police said Alex Sverker, 31, was charged with arson in the Nov. 3 blaze and held without bail following a dangerousness hearing on Tuesday.

Police said fire crews responded to the fire at 8 Waite Street - listed as the home to Salem Sheet Metal Inc. — at about 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 3.

After determining the fire was suspicious, police and fire detectives launched a joint investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Police said that the investigation led to a search warrant being served at a Bridge Street apartment on Nov. 5.

Police said Sverker was subsequently charged with arson.