Dustin James Schlain, 45, is charged with arson. He’s accused of setting multiple fires around the Memorial Park area.
HOUSTON — A man is facing charges after investigators said he set multiple fires around the Memorial Park area.
Dustin James Schlain, 45, is charged with at least two counts of felony arson.
According to authorities, on Wednesday, Schlain set fires at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center as well as at a location on Knox Street, just east of Memorial Park. Officials said he admitted to setting the fires when he was questioned by authorities who had been investigating fires being set in the Memorial Park area for months.
The homeowner at the Knox Street location said Schlain set fire to a brush pile, and the flames spread to the fence. They said their home and a neighbor’s home weren’t damaged.
Schlain is also accused of setting fire to open land along Woodway Drive.
“I want to thank the HFD Arson Bureau for their swift response in identifying someone who caused harm to one of our city’s parks and for their continued service in keeping Houstonians safe each and every day,” Mayor John Whitmire said.
According to the Houston Fire Department, over the last 10 months, more than a dozen fires have been started in Memorial Park. They said that while the fires have been small and not close to any structures, they still pose a threat to the park and the people who enjoy it.
“We remain dedicated to not only protecting Houstonians but also our city’s cherished spaces,” Houston Fire Department Chief Thomas Muñoz said. “This arrest demonstrates the exceptional investigative work of our HFD Arson Investigators, whose dedication to pursuing those who endanger our community helps keep Houston safe.”
The HFD Arson Bureau is trying to find out if anyone else is responsible for the fires.
Schlain was arrested around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. A judge set his bond at $30,000, and he’s due back in court Friday at some point.
The punishment for arson can range up to $10,000 fine and 99 years in prison.