Suspected Serial Arsonist Arrested For Setting More Than 30 Fires In Contra Costa County
BAY POINT (CBS SF) -- A suspected serial arsonist responsible for setting more than 30 fires in Contra Costa County is in custody.
James William Wilson was arrested without incident in Bay Point,Tuesday morning.
The 29-year-old was booked into the Contra Costa County Jail in Martinez on eight counts of arson. Bail was set at $1 million.
Wilson is wanted for setting a string of fires along Highway 4, Highway 24, and Marsh Creek Road.
Authorities said Wilson's alleged activities endangered lives and resulted in loss of property in Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Clayton and Brentwood.
In April, investigators from Contra Costa County Fire Department and Cal Fire launched a joint investigation which led to Tuesday's arrest. They noticed a "a pattern of vegetation fires occurring in the Bay Point Area of northeastern part of Contra Costa County. By late spring, the pattern of fire activity spread to other areas of the County."
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the fires or the suspect to call the CCCFPD Arson Tip Line at (866) 50ARSON (502-7766).
