KOKOMO, Ind. — Neighbors on the northwest side of Kokomo say they are relieved that a suspected arsonist is now facing charges after a dangerous 48-hour span of fires.
"A lot of people were concerned, a little upset," neighbor Doug Clark said.
Kokomo police said a tip led them to 29-year-old Joseph Smith in connection with numerous fires.
According to court documents, Kokomo fire responded to those fires between 1:55 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Aug. 10, all within a one-mile radius of each other.
In total, four vehicles, two homes and one garage were damaged, including a home on West Taylor Street. The fire reportedly started in the back of the home and would eventually spread through the home and to the roof.
Neighbors wonder why someone would want to harm strangers.
"Is it the times that we're in? Is it the stress that society just seems to have now? Everything needs to be a critical thing," Clark said.
Court documents also reveal Smith was caught on surveillance cameras trying to get into people vehicles and homes.
One vehicle burned in an alley spread to the entire garage.
Neighbors then began posting surveillance videos on social media in hopes someone would recognize the suspect.
Police said a tip came from Smith's girlfriend. She told detectives she recognized Smith from the videos.
She reportedly told investigators Smith sent her a text on the morning of Aug. 10, stating, "told you I'd burn this (expletive) down..."
She also told detectives Smith made the same comment on another occasion while inside of her home.
Smith was taken into custody on six counts of arson, burglary and attempted burglary. He is expected to make his first court appearance Thursday, Aug. 22.