Police: Prime suspect arrested in dozens of suspicious Pasco fires

Pasco police arrested a suspect in dozens of suspicious fires that have been set throughout the city over the summer.

Abel Y. Contreras, 44, was arrested Wednesday following a suspicious fire at 22nd Avenue and Pearl Street.

A man matching Contreras’ description was spotted leaving the scene of the fire. A pile of leaves reportedly was set on fire and quickly put out.

Citizens called in tips to police who were able to track Contreras down at 27th Avenue and Sylvester Street.

Contreras was booked into the Franklin County jail on suspicion of arson and reckless burning.

Police say he is a “prime suspect” in other fires intentionally set in alleys around the city. Fire officials report at least 55 fires over the summer.

The fires have burned fences, garages, vehicles, grass, a mother-in-law house, a sofa and other structures. They may have been started with a lighter or matches.

This story was originally published August 19, 2015 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Police: Prime suspect arrested in dozens of suspicious Pasco fires."