A Vermont man is behind bars facing new charges

A Vermont man is behind bars facing new charges after police say he attempted to set a building in Essex Junction on fire. Essex police arrested William Cole, 38, of Johnson on Friday night. Police say Cole tried to set the building at 217 Pearl Street on fire. When police arrived they found a rug in front of the business up in flames. Police say Cole also admitted to setting leaves on fire inside of a mailbox on the building, and trying to break in through the front door. They say Cole is a person of interest in multiple arson cases across Vermont in previous years. He was previously charged with arson at the Walmart in Williston. Cole was charged with Attempted Arson, Unlawful Mischief and Violation of Conditions of release. He was lodged at Northwest Correctional Center on $500 bail.