N.H. man accused of setting fire to home with children inside

DOVER, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A 19-year-old New Hampshire man is accused of setting fire to a home while a mother and her children were inside.

Shawn Hoyt, of Dover, was charged with arson at the Dover Police Department early Wednesday morning.

Investigators allege Hoyt intentionally set fire to a single family home located at 28 Broadway in Dover. The fire broke out just before 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Court documents state that Hoyt initially gave conflicting reports about where he was, and then told police that he was smoking a cigarette in the garage of the home, which sparked the fire. Hoyt then said that he went to look for help but was unable to find anyone.

The mother and her four children inside 28 Broadway were able to escape the house. No injuries were reported.

"He's mentally challenged, he's got learning disabilities. He just wants to be accepted, but he's always getting picked on," Hoyt's mother said in court Wednesday.

Hoyt was held on $100,000 cash bail pending a bail review hearing on Thursday. Hoyt did not enter any pleas during his arraignment and will be appointed an attorney by a judge.

Cox Media Group