Port St. Lucie man arrested for setting car on fire during alleged drug dispute.
David Squiteri
On March 3, 2016, Port St. Lucie Police Detective Matthew Cuba arrested David Squiteri for second degree arson after he set the victim’s car on fire.
car arson
Car arson
At around 1:30 am on March 3, 2016, Port St. Lucie Police along with St. Lucie County Fire Rescue went to the 1100 block of SW Abbey Avenue to investigate a car fire. When officers arrived on scene they witnessed the trunk of the victim’s car, 1996 red Chevrolet 2 door, was fully engulfed in flames. Police spoke with the owner of the car, but quickly realized that the owners adult son may have been the intended victim.
Police continued the investigation by interviewing the victim’s son, who told police that he believes Squiteri is responsible for setting the car on fire. Police were told that Squiteri had been continually texting the victim’s son and while Detective Cuba was speaking with the victim’s son, Squiteri again sent a text. The detective told the victim’s son to text Squiteri and arranged to meet him at a local gas station. The detective then went to the gas station and waited for Squiteri to arrive.
A short time later Squiteri arrived at the gas station where Detective Cuba was waiting. Detective Cuba met Squiteri in the parking lot and immediately could smell an odor of gasoline coming from Squiteri. Squiteri initially denied setting the car on fire, but then admitted to setting the car on fire. Squiteri told Detective Cuba that he gave the victim’s son 5 Dilaudid pills and the victim’s son was to repay him in the amount of $200.00. When the victim’s son didn’t pay up and dogged his texts and calls, Squiteri set the car on fire.
Squiteri was arrested for 2nd degree arson and taken to the St. Lucie County Jail for booking.
