Police Arrest Man Accused Of Arson Fires In San Rafael

SAN RAFAEL, CA — San Rafael police arrested a man in connection with several arson fires in San Rafael.

James Thomas Duffy, 42, of San Rafael is accused of intentionally setting six fires between 5:17 a.m. and 5:49 a.m. Thursday in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael, police Sgt. Justin Graham said.

The fires included several that were ignited in dumpsters and one that was set inside Duffy's apartment in the area of Medway Road and Canal Street, Graham said. No one was injured in the fire.

"The apartment complex had been evacuated as a precaution while fire crews worked quickly," Graham said. "Tenants were allowed back into their respective apartments once the fire was under control and mop-up was completed. No one was displaced."

Duffy was found at 11:15 a.m. in the 600 block of Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur. He was arrested booked into Marin County Jail on suspicion of five counts of felony arson and one count of felony arson to an inhabited dwelling, according to the San Rafael Police Department. The case was forwarded to the Marin County District Attorney's Office.

Anyone with information about the fires was asked to call San Rafael police at 415-485-3000. Tips can also be submitted online at srpd.org/tips.

• Previous coverage: Police Locate Person Of Interest In 6 Arson Fires In San Rafael