Suspected Arsonist Arrested For Manchester Fires

MANCHESTER, N.H. (CBS) – Manchester police say they've caught an arsonist in their city.

Twenty-two-year-old Jonathan Grant was arrested just after midnight at his home on Crowley Street.

Investigators say he was the prime suspect in at least six fires in the alley of Merrimack Street between Maple and Pine Streets early Monday morning.

The fires were small, but they caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Two cars were destroyed.

Manchester has been battling arson problems. After a spike in 2011 that saw 70 intentional fires, the city had just 29 so far this year until Monday.

Grant is charged with two counts of felony reckless conduct and three counts of arson.

He refused bail and is currently being held at the Hillsborough County House of Correction until his arraignment.

There's no word yet on a motive.

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• New Hampshire
• Lauren Leamanczyk