Police Locate Person Of Interest In 6 Arson Fires In San Rafael

SAN RAFAEL, CA — San Rafael police identified James Thomas Duffy, 42, of San Rafael as a person of interest in a series of arson fires Thursday morning in San Rafael.

Six fires were ignited in debris, dumpsters, a vehicle and an apartment unit between 5:17 a.m. and 5:49 a.m. in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael, police Sgt. Justin Graham said.

The most prominent fire was reported at an apartment complex at 95 Medway Road, San Rafael Fire Battalion Chief Matt Windrem said.

No one was inside the apartment and the fire was contained to a single unit, Graham said.

"The apartment complex had been evacuated as a precaution and people were allowed back into their respective apartments once the fire was under control," Graham said. "No one was displaced."

The other fires were sparked on Bellam Boulevard and on Hoag, Mill, Canal and Larkspur streets, police said. No injuries were reported.

After searching the area, police found Duffy by Thursday afternoon.

San Rafael police and fire officials were investigating the case along with arson investigators from the Marin County Fire Department.

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.

Patch editor Kristina Houck and Bay City News Service contributed to this report.