SAN ANTONIO – A man accused of setting a series of fires within the last few months has been arrested, according to the Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Modesto Martinez, 59, was charged with arson of habitation, a first-degree felony, records with the Bexar County Jail show. His bond is set at $100,000.
The fire marshal’s office states that more than 15 fires took place in the last two to three months in the Oak Island community, located near Loop 1604 and Applewhite Road in south Bexar County.
No one was injured but the fires caused damage to vehicles, homes and land, the office said.
During the investigation, the office set up surveillance to help catch the arsonist. Martinez was seen setting fire to a mobile home and driving off, the office said.
Deputies with the fire marshal’s office followed Martinez to his home and arrested him, according to the office.
The Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and Texas Rangers investigated the case.
The fires occurred in Bexar County Precinct 1.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores released the following statement:
“I applaud the dedicated work of our Fire Marshal’s Office and their staff. The safety of the residents of Precinct 1 is a central concern for me. The success of the Fire Marshal’s investigation is a result of their tenacity and commitment to address this serious threat. Residents of the community will be able to sleep well again.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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