The arrest of a Massachusetts man over an alleged stolen car stereo led to the discovery of a potentially life-threatening arson attempt in a trailer park, police said.

Police charged Robert Zuill, 38, of Lawrence, Mass., with receiving stolen property, false reports and arson after officers found a car stereo hidden under Zuill’s coat at about 1 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, then went to the trailer home he said was his residence and found the place on fire.

Officers initially stopped Zuill and an unnamed woman after observing the two acting suspiciously in the vicinity of the Salem Depot. While confirming the pair’s identities, officers responded to their alleged residence at 34 Traveler’s Drive, where police said they found the trailer’s windows smashed out, smoke detectors ripped from the ceiling and a torn up phone book placed on top of an lighted stove.

Officers extinguished the fire, and damage was limited to the stove and the hood, according to authorities. Police said the landlord confirmed that the pair had moved into the home the day before.

Described as “cooperative” with authorities throughout the incident, the woman confirmed Zuill’s identity after he gave police false information and accompanied the officers to the trailer park. She told police that Zuill had caused the damage to the trailer home over the past two days.

Zuill, who also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, is being held on a $10,000 cash bail pending his arraignment at Salem District Court.