Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a 29-year-old man following a series of alleged arson incidents in Melbourne late last year.
James McArdle was arrested by Queensland Police Service officers in Cairns on Saturday.
A warrant was issued for his arrest in relation to a suspicious fire investigation last month.
Investigators have travelled to Cairns today to apply for his extradition to Melbourne.
McArdle is expected to face 17 charges including seven counts of arson, unlawful assault and commit indictable offence while on bail.
The charges relate to:
• Saturday, 3 December – a fire at a Rosslyn Street business in West Melbourne about 12.40am
• Tuesday, 6 December – a car fire on Rosslyn Street in West Melbourne about 3.40am
• Saturday, 10 December – a fire at a Batman Street apartment building car park in West Melbourne about 11pm
• Friday, 16 December – two car fires on Rosslyn Street in West Melbourne about 4.40am
• Thursday, 22 December – a car fire in at a Little Lonsdale Street car park in Melbourne about 5.10pm
• Thursday, 22 December – a fire at a Mercantile Place business in Melbourne about 6.30pm
It’s also expected he will be interviewed in relation to seven further fires.
Investigations into the series of fires remains ongoing.
He is expected to face Cairns Magistrates’ Court later day.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
