Matthew Jackson Arrested for Arson and Burglary in Hudson, NH

A 29-year-old man from Salem, NH, has been arrested and charged with arson and burglary after he allegedly crashed his car into a church and set fire to its entrance.

The man, identified as Matthew Jackson, was arrested early Saturday morning after he flagged down police officers in the vicinity of Central and Greeley streets in Hudson. The officers were responding to a report of a fire at the First Baptist Church of Hudson.

Police say Jackson told them that he had started the fire. An investigation by the Hudson Police Department found that Jackson had also attempted to break into a 7-Eleven store next to the church.

Jackson is facing Class A felony charges of arson and burglary, three counts of Class A misdemeanor criminal mischief, Class A misdemeanor conduct after an accident, and Class A misdemeanor resisting arrest. He is being held at the Merrimack County Jail without bail.

The fire at the First Baptist Church caused extensive damage to the building's entrance. The church is closed for repairs, but is expected to reopen soon.

The motive for Jackson's actions is still under investigation.