Authorities in Sausalito have taken a suspect into custody following a series of fires that occurred on June 12, raising concerns about potential arson. Sausalito Police and firefighters from both the Marin County Fire and Southern Marin Fire departments responded to the initial brush fire near Bridgeway at Marinship Way at around 10:38 AM, which was swiftly extinguished, according to the City of Sausalito.
The day progressed with reports of another fire in a trashcan at the Sausalito Yacht Harbor, and soon after, a green waste bag was found ablaze in the area of Second Street at Sausalito Boulevard. Officers began to suspect arson due to the proximity and timing of these incidents. These concerns were compounded by a subsequent fire on Alexander Avenue near East Road, which spread rapidly, but no property damage or injuries were reported.
It was during the response to the fourth fire that an individual on a bicycle was spotted heading south on the Sausalito Lateral by Lieutenant Mather, of the Sausalito Police Department. The officer, recognizing the suspect from prior incidents, engaged and detained the individual after they made incriminating statements and were found in possession of evidence related to the fires.
The suspect, a 59-year-old male, was arrested under suspicion of multiple counts of arson, and his bail was set at $50,000. The Sausalito Police Department has acknowledged the role of community members in reporting these events and appreciates the cooperation with local fire authorities. They urge anyone with further information to reach out to assist in the ongoing investigation.
