Fire investigators in Contra Costa County announce arrests in two separate arson cases. Investigators say one fire was set outside a restaurant that was occupied by employees.
Investigators said a man was seen in surveillance video igniting a fire and then adding cardboard and wood to the flames, before leaving the area.
The man, identified as 57-year-old Kevin Cooper of Concord, was later stopped by Concord police. Investigators said he fit the description of the man seen in the surveillance video.Investigators said two employees were inside the restaurant at the time of the fire, but no one was hurt. On Saturday, Con Fire and Pittsburg police responded to the 3700 block of Railroad Ave., where a person was reported to be opening fire hydrants.
Investigators said at the scene, a man identified as Dennis Wolfenbarger told the emergency crews that he had started a fire at a nearby business that was unoccupied. Crews went to that scene to investigate. "Firefighters were able to remove a small metal container with burning material inside before damage to the structure occurred," Hill said.