Argyle man charged with arson at his Colonie business

Colonie Police reported the arrest of an Argyle man following an arson investigation.

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Colonie Police reported the arrest of an Argyle man following an arson investigation. Cody Shields, 33, is accused of setting his own Colonie business on fire.

On June 8, 2023, police received a call around 5 a.m. from Shields reporting a structure fire at the Big Body Butcher Shop on Central Avenue, which Shields owned. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames quickly, but the business suffered extensive damage and never reopened.

An investigation into the incident conducted by Colonie Police and the Town of Colonie Fire Services resulted in the fire being deemed suspicious. According to police, Shields reportedly had significant outstanding business-related debt, and investigators determined that he allegedly started the fire intentionally.

In addition to the arson, further investigation yielded evidence of business dealings by Shields that police say justified criminal charges for larceny. The Albany County Court issued a warrant for his arrest, and he was taken into custody at his Argyle home on July 24 by Colonie Police and the Washington County Sheriff's Office. He now faces the following charges:

• Third-degree arson
• Two counts of third-degree grand larceny
• Three counts of petit larceny

Shields was arraigned at the Albany County Court before being released on his own recognizance. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Colonie Police Department's Investigations Division at (518)783-2754.