TULSA, Okla. — A suspected serial arsonist has been charged and is due in court in December 2020.
Allen Carl Wessel was charged with arson in the first degree. Wessel is set to appear in court for preliminary hearing on Dec. 23, 2020.
Tulsa Fire Department said authorities Wessel in connection to a string of fires in the Tulsa area.
Andy Little with the Tulsa Fire Department said three fires happened in the area of Pine and North Lewis. As firefighters responded to the initial fire, they came across two additional fires, including one car and one house. TFD officials said the house has had several fires, all when people were inside the home.
Authorities pursued Wessel, by foot and vehicle, who was seen throwing a "incendiary device" on the roof of a house. Authorities caught and arrested Wessell.
Little said during a press conference, the Fire Marshals Office identified at least 13 additional fires since Oct. 23 in the same area. All fires shared the same area and circumstances. Investigators conducted surveillance operations based on time and location which lead to Thursday's arrest, Little said.
CLICK HERE for TFD's map of the fires in the area of Pine and North Lewis
Fire Marshal Andy Teeter said they are still working to tie Wessel to the 16 total fires since October. Court records show Wessel was previously convicted of domestic assault and battery in 2017.
WATCH the press conference below:
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