Episode 5: The Arrest

The terror the arsonist perpetuated for decades finally came to an end thanks to the hard work of the ATF task force. In letters to our producer, the serial arsonist admits to fetishes and desires that caused him to light fires.

On the heels of 9/11, and the deadly sniper shootings, a firesetter in the DC region is terrorizing neighborhoods in the middle of the night. A chance encounter leads to the realization that this is the work of a serial arsonist. 

As fires continue, the investigation hinges on the recall of three eyewitnesses, all teenagers. The task force comes up with some creative ways to track down the arsonist who is purchasing materials for his incendiary devices at local convenience stores.

To complicate the investigation further, someone close to the task force is leaking classified details of the case to the local media. It's a delicate balance to keep the public informed while not inciting copycat firesetters and jeopardizing the investigation.

A DNA profile is consistently found at some of the fire scenes, but doesn't match up with a name. More physical evidence leads the task force to loop in NCIS who is dealing with their own arson investigation.

The task force learns that the arsonist has been lighting fires in the DC area since the early 1980s. For the first time, we reveal the list of fires he admitted to ATF as part of a proffer agreement. You can see a map of the fires at www.IAAIArson.com  

The serial arsonist is finally named and confirmed through DNA lab work. The task force has to make an arrest, but media leaks once again throw a wrench into the timeline.

Sixteen years ago, the DC region was taunted by what some call the most prolific serial arsonist in American history. This is the story of the task force who dedicated 22 months of their lives to find the elusive fire setter. Brought to you by the International Association of Arson Investigators in cooperation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF.) Arson comes to you in January 2022.