A dangerous criminal wielding two gallons of gasoline and a lighter nearly destroyed an entire police station in a brazen attack on law enforcement that could have killed officers and civilians alike.
Story Overview
- Franklin Cederholm, 39, attempted to burn Abington Police Chief’s cruiser with gasoline next to station building
- Alert police lieutenant stopped the arsonist before ignition, preventing catastrophic building fire
- Suspect charged with attempted arson, malicious damage, and trespassing with mental health evaluation ordered
- Surveillance video captured the shocking attack that threatened the entire police department facility
Alert Officer Prevents Catastrophic Attack
On Friday morning, January 16, 2026, Franklin Cederholm brazenly attempted to torch Police Chief John Bonney’s marked cruiser outside the Abington Police Station at 215 Central Street. A vigilant lieutenant spotted Cederholm pouring gasoline on the vehicle through an office window at approximately 9:00 AM. The officer immediately rushed outside and stopped the would-be arsonist before he could ignite the fuel-soaked cruiser.
Chief Bonney emphasized the severity of the thwarted attack, stating that if the cruiser had caught fire, the entire police station building would have been consumed in flames. The proximity of the vehicle to the station created an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in multiple casualties. Surveillance cameras captured the entire incident, providing clear evidence of Cederholm’s criminal intent and actions.
Dangerous Arsenal Discovered During Arrest
When officers apprehended Cederholm, they discovered he came prepared for maximum destruction with two full gallons of gasoline and a lighter. This wasn’t a spontaneous act but a premeditated attack on law enforcement infrastructure. The 39-year-old Abington resident was taken into custody without incident after backup officers arrived to assist with the arrest and secure the scene.
The Abington Fire Department responded to clean the gasoline residue from the police chief’s vehicle and surrounding area. Police have charged Cederholm with attempted arson, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, and trespassing. Authorities indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. The suspect was transported to Bridgewater State Hospital for mental health evaluation, suggesting potential underlying issues that contributed to this dangerous act.
Investigation Continues Into Anti-Police Motive
Police are still investigating the motive behind this brazen attack on law enforcement. Chief Bonney revealed that while Cederholm wasn’t completely unknown to the department, he wasn’t a familiar figure in their operations. The chief indicated that the attack doesn’t appear to be personally targeted at him specifically, raising questions about whether this represents broader anti-police sentiment or mental health crisis.
Cederholm will face arraignment in Brockton District Court, though no specific date has been announced. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers that law enforcement officers face, even at their own stations. The quick thinking and vigilance of the responding lieutenant prevented what could have been a devastating loss of critical public safety infrastructure and potential loss of life in the community.
Sources:
Abington Police Department Official Release
Man Accused of Trying to Set Police Chief Cruiser on Fire – Turn to 10
Abington Police Chief’s Cruiser Arson Video – CBS Boston
Man Caught Red-Handed Attempting Police Car Arson – KATV
