BROCTON – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is reporting Monday morning that a Dunkirk man has been indicted by the county grand jury on a charge of 3rd degree arson for his alleged involvement in a fire that broke out at the Tri Parish Church on Nov. 3, 2013.

Sheriff deputies say that following the indictment a warrant was issued for the arrest of 32 year old Daniel Frey, who was brought into custody without incident on Friday. Frey is being held at the Chautauqua County Jail pending his arraignment in Chautauqua County Court. At the time of the fire, Frey was residing on E Main St in Brocton.

In November 2013 Brocton and Portland Fire Departments responded to a structure fire at 41 E Main St, Brocton, the Tri Parish Church. Several mutual aid fire departments assisted in fighting the fire.

An investigation was started by the County Fire Investigation Team and the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division and Frey’s indictment and arrest was the culmination of the investigation.

A fire that broke out at the Tri Parish Church in Brocton on Nov. 3, 2013 was ruled as arson. Following a year-and-a-half long investigation, 32-year old Daniel Frey of Dunkirk was indicted and charged for the crime. (image from youtube.com)

Early Sunday morning, seven volunteer fire departments battled a blaze that destroyed the Tri Church Parish at 35 East Main St. in the village. The blaze was first reported at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday.  Brocton volunteer fire fighters were among the first crews on the scene and found the church fully involved in flames on arrival.

Mutual aid was provided from the city of Dunkirk, East Dunkirk, Fredonia, Portland, Stockton and Westfield. No injuries were reported but the church is a total loss.

The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team is currently looking for the cause.