Investigators with the Fort Worth Fire Department arrested a man after he admitted to starting as many as 20 different fires, the department says.
On Thursday, the FWFD's Arson Unit responded to a grass fire near Buck Sansom Park, the 20th in the area in a seven-day period. Two of those fires were multi-alarm responses.
Upon arrival, investigators observed a man who matched the description of a person of interest in the fires leaving the area and he was taken into custody less than two miles away in the 2800 block of Prospect Avenue.
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The suspect stood out because he was riding a red bicycle, spokesman Craig Trojacek said.
"There was a short little pursuit and they finally got hold of him," Trojacek said.
The man, 32-year-old Julio Frausto, confessed to starting Thursday's fire as well as others in the area, the department said.
Frausto is facing a charge of second-degree felony arson as well as a second-degree felony fraudulent use or possession of identifying information and of misdemeanor evading arrest or detention.
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Fire Department officials said the investigation is ongoing and they have not released a motive for the fires.
Due to the critical fire conditions that are persistent in North Texas, the department is urging everyone to remain vigilant around heat and flames. The FWFD reminds everyone to please continue reporting any suspicious activity.
