A Phoenix firefighter has been arrested and charged with breaking into several fire stations and stealing from colleagues and setting fires as a diversion.
According to Fox 10 News Phoenix, Ryan Donahue, 36, an 11-year veteran with the fire department allegedly broke into at least eight different stations over the past several weeks, one as recently as Friday morning.
Fox 10 reported that Donahue was seen taking cash from a fire station and police moved in to arrest him immediately after.
Phoenix Police Sergeant Alan Pfohl told the television station Donahue was charged with eight counts of theft, one count of criminal damage, one count of burglary and two counts of arson.
Reports indicate the suspect may have started two Dumpster fires.
Fox 10 reported that several firefighters reported cash missing from their wallets and the crime spree started in early January. The stations were hit while crews were away on calls and the suspect was off duty.
Television station ABC 15 reported that a police spokesman said the suspect “knew what he was looking for” and had worked as rover for the fire department, moving from station to station as needed.
Phoenix Fire Captain Larry Subervi told Fox 10 that every shift collects money to go shopping and sometimes, the missing cash had been left lying around as they went out on calls. He said there was a pattern that developed during the investigation.
Reports of thefts had been reported throughout the city’s fire stations over the past five to six weeks and police developed information that the suspect could have been a firefighter about two weeks ago, according to Fox 10.
After his arrest, Donahue admitted to authorities his involvements in the crimes, Fox 10 reported.
