Southern California Man Suspected of Setting 18 Fires Arrested

Long Beach police have arrested a man on suspicion of setting 18 fires over the past weekend.

Joshua Ethan Thomas was arrested early Wednesday by an officer who recognized him after seeing him near one of the fires. He’s being held on $1.5 million bail.

Fire Chief Alan Patalano says Thomas also was caught on surveillance video set up near one of the fires.

Arson investigators say most of the fires were set in the early morning hours, starting with small ones in trash cans, garages, on cars and in sheds in yards or alleys. As the days went on, they say the suspect grew bold and scrawled taunting messages on walls for authorities.

Three fires were set in the homes of victims as they slept or were inside.