A person armed with a long-stemmed lighter approached a South Arlington home near Matlock Road, Minuteman Lane and Colony Drive last Tuesday and set fire to the siding near the front door before walking away on foot. Days later, Arlington fire investigators say they know who did it — though the investigation is far from closed.
Investigators Sought Public Help Before Breakthrough
The Arlington Fire Department Investigations Division had asked for the public's help identifying the suspect, according to the Arlington Police Department, which shared the appeal on Facebook. Investigators said the suspect approached the residence near Matlock Road, Minuteman Lane and Colony Drive on Oct. 13 and set the home's siding on fire close to the front door.
Before leaving the scene on foot, the suspect reportedly pulled a long-stemmed lighter with a blue handle from a hoodie pocket. The department's description, shared alongside photos of the incident, painted a detailed picture meant to jog the memory of anyone who may have crossed paths with the person that day.
What the Suspect Looked Like
According to the department's account, the suspect had black curly hair with short sides and was dressed in a green hoodie, black jogging-style pants and gray Crocs-style footwear. Investigators leaned on that physical description, paired with images from the scene, as they pushed the case out to the public in hopes of a tip.
That strategy appears to have paid off. In an update posted Friday, the department reported that the individual had been identified, though it stressed that the investigation remains ongoing. The update did not include the suspect's name, arrest status or any charges, and it's not clear how much damage the fire caused to the home.
Texas Arson Law and Public Records
The Irving Weekly reported on a separate residential fire in North Arlington near Northeast Green Oaks and North Collins on September 12, 2024.
Arson cases in Texas can carry serious penalties depending on the circumstances, as outlined in the state's arson statute. Residents looking for more detail on reported incidents in their own neighborhoods can check the city's crime reports database.
