Police: Old Saybrook fire considered suspicious, one owner arrested

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. (WTNH) -- Police are investigating after a fire severely damaged a home in Old Saybrook. One of the owners has been arrested. He and his wife are both in critical condition.

Police responded to 19 Beaver Dam Trail around 5:15 a.m. for a 911 call. When officers arrives a female in the house was yelling for police assistance from the second floor.

Police gained entry into the home and discovered it was on fire. The fire and smoke forced the officers out of the house and the Fire Department was then alerted and responded, police said.

The police dept. is treated this as a suspicious fire and criminal incident. A search and seizure warrant is being executed and officials are investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

The owners of the residence, Glenn and Susan Alburtus, were transported to the hospital. Susan is at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the husband is in the burn unit at Bridgeport Hospital. Susan was transported by LifeStar helicopter.

First responding officers investigated and arrested Glenn Alburtus, 60, for second-degree threatening, first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree unlawful restraint and disorderly conduct. He is currently under police guard at Bridgeport Hospital, police say. They anticipate additional charges.

A neighbor said there was yelling and screaming coming from the home on Beaver Dam Trail. We initially reported that information came from Old Saybrook's First Selectman. We regret the error.

"The flames were starting at the time we heard the argument so it was all about the same time. We heard the shouting it was about 5:30 this morning. We looked out the window and we saw flames and then we came out of our house and the house was fully engulfed at that point," said Tony Lyons a neighbor. 

"Had you heard them arguing before? You're right next door," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"I can't say that I have," said Bob Chase.

"So there hadn't been any other disturbances at the house," asked News 8's Detelj.

"Not to my knowledge," said Chase.

Additionally, one police officer and one firefighter sustained injuries as a result of the blaze and were taken to the hospital. Both were released.

Pictures show heavy damage to the multi-story home. Firefighters from Old Saybrook and Westbrook were on the scene.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Old Saybrook Police at (860) 395-3142.