Man caught after more than 11 fires sparked around Clarkston
Fires erupt near Clarkston mosque and campus
DeKalb County investigators say a suspect is in custody following a string of 11 fires that sparked overnight near Clarkston.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A man is in custody after DeKalb County firefighters spent the early hours of Monday morning racing to extinguish more than 11 fires near Clarkston.
What we know:
Fire officials say crews were called to multiple grass and brush fires that broke out in several locations, stretching from areas near Georgia State University’s Clarkston campus to nearby neighborhoods. The first fire was reported just before 8:30 p.m. in the area of Memorial College Avenue.
Authorities say the fires were deliberately set, prompting an arson investigation led by DeKalb County fire officials.
Firefighters moved quickly from scene to scene to contain the flames, including areas along North Indian Creek Drive where fires burned near an apartment complex and a mosque.
Officials say at least four fire locations were confirmed, though crews may have responded to additional incidents as the situation unfolded overnight.
A witness described waking up to see flames outside and initially thinking it was not real before realizing the extent of the situation.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not released the identity of the person in custody, and investigators are still working to determine a possible motive.
Officials say more information is expected to be released as the investigation continues. The suspect was arrested around 2 a.m.
DeKalb County fires believed to be arson
Multiple fires that began late Sunday night and early Monday in the Clarkston area are believed to be acts of arson, according to officials. This is a breaking news update. Kaitlyn Pratt reporting.
What they're saying:
"I'd be sleeping much better tonight knowing that, you know, the perpetrator was caught," one resident told FOX 5. Nasir Turk, a neighbor in the area, expressed his distress over the location of the fires: "I feel bad, really bad. There's a worship place. And, they should not do that." Another witness, Larry Cherry, said he thought he was dreaming when he saw the flames, noting he had lived there a year and never seen an incident like it.