A dangerous anti-police attack was thwarted by alert officers when a Massachusetts man attempted to burn down an entire police station using gasoline and fire.
Story Snapshot
- Franklin Cederholm arrested after pouring gasoline on police chief’s cruiser outside station
- Quick-thinking lieutenant stopped the attack that could have destroyed the entire building
- Suspect carried 2 gallons of gasoline and a lighter in premeditated assault on law enforcement
- Incident highlights growing threats against police and need for enhanced station security
Alert Officer Prevents Police Station Catastrophe
Franklin Cederholm, a 39-year-old Abington resident, was arrested Friday morning after attempting to set Police Chief John Bonney’s marked cruiser ablaze outside the station at 215 Central Street. An observant lieutenant spotted Cederholm through an office window as he poured gasoline on the vehicle at approximately 9:00 AM. The officer immediately intervened, preventing what Chief Bonney described as a potentially catastrophic incident that could have engulfed the entire police building.
Premeditated Attack Against Law Enforcement
Surveillance footage captured Cederholm’s deliberate assault on the police cruiser, revealing the suspect came prepared with two gallons of gasoline and a lighter. The proximity of the chief’s vehicle to the station building amplified the danger, as ignition would have likely spread flames to the structure housing critical police operations. This premeditated attack demonstrates the calculated nature of anti-police sentiment that has escalated into direct threats against law enforcement facilities and personnel safety.
Swift Justice and Ongoing Investigation
Cederholm faces charges of attempted arson, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, and trespassing, with additional charges possible as the investigation continues. Police transported him to Bridgewater State Hospital for mental health evaluation before his scheduled arraignment in Brockton District Court. The Abington Fire Department responded to clean gasoline residue from the chief’s vehicle while investigators work to determine the suspect’s motive for targeting law enforcement.
Chief Bonney praised his officers for acting quickly and decisively to prevent disaster. The incident underscores the constant vigilance required by police departments facing escalating threats from anti-law enforcement extremists who endanger public safety and attack the institutions protecting American communities.
Sources:
Abington Police Department Official Release
Man accused of trying to set police chief cruiser on fire
Abington police chief’s cruiser arson attempt caught on video
Man caught red-handed pouring gasoline on police cruiser
