A deranged man nearly torched a Massachusetts police station by dousing the chief’s cruiser with gasoline, only stopped by heroic officers’ quick action.
Story Highlights
- Franklin Cederholm, 39, arrested January 16, 2026, after pouring gasoline on Chief John Bonney’s cruiser outside Abington Police Station.
- A vigilant lieutenant intervened before ignition, preventing a fire that could have destroyed the building and endangered lives.
- Suspect carried two gallons of gas and a lighter; now undergoing mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.
- Charged with attempted arson, malicious damage, and trespassing; motive under investigation amid conflicting reports on prior department contact.
Incident Unfolds at Police Station
On January 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM, Franklin Cederholm approached Abington Police Chief John Bonney’s marked cruiser parked at 215 Central Street. The 39-year-old local resident carried two one-gallon jugs of gasoline. Surveillance video captured him pouring fuel onto the vehicle’s front, just feet from the station entrance. A lieutenant spotted the suspicious activity and rushed out to halt him.
Another officer identified the liquid as gasoline and called for backup. Cederholm possessed a lighter, confirming his intent to ignite the cruiser. Officers arrested him without resistance. The cruiser’s position created extreme risk; ignition would have spread flames rapidly to the building, threatening officers and infrastructure.
Swift Police Response Prevents Catastrophe
Abington Police Lieutenant’s intervention proved decisive, stopping Cederholm mid-act and averting disaster. Chief Bonney praised the team’s vigilance, stating the building “would have gone up” if the fire started. This rapid response underscores the value of trained law enforcement protecting communities from sudden threats. The Abington Fire Department later cleaned spilled gasoline from the vehicle.
Surveillance footage, posted on the department’s Facebook page, documents the entire sequence. Such evidence strengthens the case and highlights effective station security measures. In an era of rising attacks on police, this incident affirms the critical role officers play in maintaining public safety.
Charges, Evaluation, and Investigation
Cederholm faces charges of attempted arson, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, and trespassing. Additional counts may follow as the probe continues. Instead of jail, authorities transported him to Bridgewater State Hospital for psychiatric evaluation, signaling potential mental health factors. He will face arraignment in Brockton District Court.
https://www.facebook.com/Boston25News/videos/watch-surveillance-video-shows-a-man-attempting-to-light-the-abington-police-chi/1387489693105381/
The Abington Police Department investigates Cederholm’s motive. Most reports state he was unknown to them, though one source suggests prior contact without details. No prior criminal history or connections to the department appear in records. This gap leaves questions about what drove a local resident to target law enforcement directly.
Broader Implications for Law Enforcement
The attack at the station itself raises alarms about vulnerabilities in police facilities. Quick thinking preserves lives and property, but the bold attempt in broad daylight exposes risks to those upholding the law. Chief Bonney emphasized officer decision-making as key to prevention. Communities rely on such professionalism amid unpredictable dangers.
On camera: A 39-year-old man is facing charges after he allegedly doused the Abington police chief's cruiser with gas outside the station. pic.twitter.com/UJ2HmvG5v8
— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) January 16, 2026
Under President Trump’s leadership, renewed focus on law and order bolsters support for police facing threats. This case exemplifies why backing the thin blue line matters—vigilant officers stopped chaos before it erupted. As details emerge from the evaluation and court, Americans watch for justice served swiftly and fairly.
Sources:
Man accused of trying to set police chief cruiser on fire
Abington Police Department Official Statement
CBS Boston: Abington police chief’s cruiser arson video
KATV/CNN Newsource: Gasoline poured on police cruiser
