Police: Homeless Men in Mass. Thwarted Arson

Police in Massachusetts say two homeless men were offered money to burn down a rental house on Cape Cod but instead turned in the man who approached them.

Harwich and state police arrested 26-year-old Benjamin Parker on Saturday, charging him with attempted arson, conspiracy, and possession of an explosive or dangerous device.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Orleans District Court.

Authorities allege Parker approached two homeless men in Boston last week and asked them if they wanted to make $1,100 by burning down a house.

Rather than accept the offer, the men alerted transit police.

Police say Parker left gasoline and rags in the home. State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan says the homeless men averted a potential tragedy.

Authorities didn’t say why Parker wanted the home burned.