Dec. 18--Thanks to observant citizens that were willing to get involved, a suspected arsonist was taken off the streets last week.
On Dec. 10 at about 9:11 p.m., the Chowchilla Police Department received a call about dumpster fire in the 200 block of North Sixth Street that was threatening a structure.
The Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department and the police responded to the area. As they were responding, a dispatcher advised officers that a resident was following a suspicious person in the area.
Fire personnel arrived to find a detached garage on fire. When police arrived, they took custody of the suspect. The fire was put out and the estimated damage to the property was approximately $30,000.
The suspect was transported to the police department and questioned about this and approximately 10 other fires in the city that have been set since the beginning of October. After the investigation was completed, 52-year-old David Meeks of Chowchilla was arrested and booked at the Madera County Jail on 10 counts of arson.
Lt. Dave Riviere commended the residentss willing to get involved to keep their community safe. Riviere also recognized the efforts of the Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department. "The city's firefighters and police officers work well together and their quick response made a difference." Riviere said.
Anyone with information on this or any other crime is urged to contact the Chowchilla Police Department at (559) 665-8600.
Copyright 2013 - Merced Sun-Star (Merced, Calif.)
