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Anderson arson suspect tells police he targeted homes of child molesters

In a span of about three hours Tuesday, fires were reported at four structures around Anderson.

ANDERSON, Ind. — A man who is accused of setting four fires in Anderson told police he was targeting the homes of child molesters. 

According to court documents in the case, the 33-year-old suspect told police he used his phone to find the homes of people on the sex offender registry list, our partners at the Anderson Herald Bulletin reported. The man reportedly told investigators he "set those fires because of all the child molesters residing at the locations."

Anderson firefighters were dispatched to four fires within a mile of one another in the central part of Anderson between 5:18 a.m. and 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The suspect's home is in the area as well, according to court documents.

A school bus driver contacted police about one of the fires, giving a description of a man wearing a Carhartt jacket and plaid pajama pants, the Herald Bulletin reported. 

Police said they found three lighters and burn marks on the man's pants when they arrested him. 

(NOTE: 13News does not identify a suspect until they have been formally charged by prosecutors.)

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