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Suspect identified following fires at New Britain church and synagogue: mayor

Congregation Tephereth Israel Synagogue on Winter Street and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church on Franklin Square both caught fire Friday night.

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — The suspect in custody following two fires Friday night in New Britain has been identified, said Mayor Erin Stewart. 

Kimorah Parker, age 30, has been charged with Arson and Burglary in the third degree.

The fires broke out at a church and synagogue in the city, and Fire Chief Raul Ortiz told FOX61 that preliminary investigations indicate both were intentionally set, pending confirmation by the Fire Marshal.

Ortiz says police and fire officials, along with Mayor Erin Stewart, are canvassing other houses of worship in the Hardware City to make sure they are safe.

The first fire was reported at 76 Winter St. at the Congregation Tephereth Israel Synagogue on Winter Street. Ortiz said there was extensive damage there. 

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A second fire was then reported at 95 Franklin Sq. at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. Minimal damage was reported there. 

FOX61 has learned that the State Police Fire Investigations and Explosion Unit is also assisting in the investigation.

The suspect has not been identified at this time. 

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This story is still developing.

Daniel Dashefsky is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at ddashefsky@fox61.com.

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