By ERIC SCHAADT
Staff Writer
FINDLAY, OH (FINDLAY COURIER) - A Findlay man was arrested Thursday for allegedly setting a fire that heavily damaged the Burger King restaurant at 1700 Tiffin Ave. early Monday morning.
Thomas S. Reese, 25, is facing one count of arson, a fourth-degree felony, according to the Findlay Fire Department.
Additional charges may follow from the ongoing investigation, the fire department reported Thursday night. A separate arson fire on Monday heavily damaged the Wendy's restaurant at 500 Tiffin Ave.
According to the Findlay Police Department, Reese was arrested at 5:35 p.m. Thursday at 1901 Kirkwood Court, Apt. F. Reese reportedly resides at that address and also on Fox Run Road, police said.
Findlay fire and police departments, along with Toledo fire and police departments, have been investigating the two restaurant blazes, plus fires that were set the same night in two autos on Crystal Avenue and in a dumpster near the Best Buy store at the Findlay Village Mall.
The Best Buy store was not damaged.
Findlay Fire Chief Tom Lonyo praised the efforts of the fire and police agencies.
"An arrest being made four days after the Burger King fire was intentionally set is a testament to their dedication and professionalism," Lonyo said.
Details of what led to the suspect's arrest were not released Thursday as the investigation continued.
Officials for Wendy's and Burger King said this week they plan to rebuild and reopen their restaurants. Wendy's sustained heavier damage, Findlay firefighters said.
