Arson charges have been laid against a 34-year-old St. Thomas man in connection with a string of fires set throughout the city.
St. Thomas police began investigating the suspicious fires in late October. Over a three week period, approximately 12 hastily set blazes were reported. In each case, loose paper or combustible material left in garbage cans, recycle bins, or piled inside apartment complex doors or vestibules was ignited, police said.
The suspect would take off immediately after starting the fires.
After an investigation by the police street crimes unit and the criminal investigations branch, a 34-year-old man was arrested. He is now charged with two counts of arson.
According to police, the random fires appear to have stopped and there is no longer a risk to public safety.