Suspect in Cleveland W. 83rd explosion appears before judge, past disputed

CLEVELAND - A hearing for William Calderwood was held in the Cuyahoga County Justice Center early Monday morning.

The state argued that Calderwood's prior acts and arson convictions should be admissible in court.

Calderwood, 57, is accused of burglarizing a house on West 83rd Street in Cleveland, and causing an explosion that damaged 72 houses in the area.

Calderwood is charged with one count of burglary and 72 counts of aggravated arson.

Prosecutors said on Jan. 25, Calderwood tampered with the gas line of a vacant house, while stealing a washer, dryer and refrigerator from the house among other things.

The judge is expected to make her decision about Calderwood's past later Monday.