Police in Renton have arrested a suspect in a series of downtown arson fires, after recognizing the man from surveillance camera footage.
According to police, a 32-year-old man admitted to setting a total of three fires at the same location downtown. Police on Thursday recognized the man from surveillance photos and arrested him.
The downtown area has experienced a rash of arson fires over the past few months. Most fires were set in dumpsters, but some were set in areas that had the potential to spread to surrounding businesses and homes.
Police believe the suspect in custody may be responsible for all of the fires.
“The suspect only admitted to three,” Renton Detective Steve Morris said in a press release, “but due to similarities to the other arsons, we believe he may be responsible for many more.”
Detectives and Renton Fire Investigators will review the other cases to see if the man can be charged for additional crimes.