Authorities arrested the man for criminal trespassing after he was found behind Tiffin Elementary.
Chillicothe Police arrested a man for criminal trespassing and have contacted the fire department about him being a possible suspect in the two Monday morning fires. A report from the police department indicates 32-year-old Kevin Bradley, of Chillicothe, was seen watching the fire at the Sherwin Williams store on Bridge Street. Then, while on patrol, an officer noticed the fire at the 367 East Main Street home and saw Bradley running from the residence.
Bradley told police he had been walking to his home on Douglas Avenue and was only running to find someone to call the fire department.
He left the scene but was found behind Tiffin Elementary on South Bridge Street at around 2am. Bradley attempted to walk past the officer but was ordered to the ground at gun point. He told authorities he was homeless and was looking for brush to burn for a fire; the police report lists Bradley's address in the 300-block of East Main Street.
He was found with a small lighter, chewing tobacco, and a wallet, and his clothing, believed to have an odor of paint or paint thinner, was taken as evidence.
Bradley denied starting the Chillicothe fires that occurred within 90 minutes of each other.
Investigators said, Monday, that the Sherwin Williams fire was caused by electrical issues, while the East Main Street fire was believed to be arson.
