Tempe Police Arrest Firesetter in South Tempe

On October 26, 2009, at 1:09 in the afternoon, Tempe Patrol Officers arrested Phoenix resident Juan A. Olguin for deliberately setting a series of alley fires in South Tempe.  Olguin has been charged with (3) counts of Reckless Burning and (1) Felony Possession of Marijuana.

Locations of the reported fires were in alleys between Oxford and Tulane Drives, and Westfall and Hardy over a period of several weeks.  Faced with what appeared to be a pattern, Patrol Officers have been diligently working the neighborhoods in the area with a focus on alleys, and ultimately made the arrest yesterday.  The arrest was made based on evidence obtained at the crime scenes, as well as corroborating statements made by the suspect, who admitted responsibility.

The hard work and diligence by Tempe Patrol Officers supported by our detectives, fire investigators and crime analysts over the past several weeks resulted in the arrest of this suspect.

Tempe Police Department would like to thank Tempe’s Beat 21 residents for their assistance, cooperation, and support in capturing Juan Olguin before injury or death occurred as a result of his deliberate, destructive and criminal behavior.

###