Authorities report that a man is facing charges for allegedly starting three fires in Texas.
John Howard Ole, aged 36, has been charged with four counts of arson related to an incident that took place about a month ago, according to the Denton police in the Metro Dallas Fort Worth area.
He is also implicated in a tragic December fire that resulted in the deaths of 103-year-old Dante Bassi and 83-year-old Marilyn Bradley Bassi, as confirmed by officials.
The circumstances surrounding those fires have been described as fatal and tragic.
Additionally, Ole faces two more arson warrants that could lead to serious injury or death. One of these charges was filed against him recently, according to records.
Notably, just one day before the deadly fire, he is said to have caused significant damage at a local restaurant around 3 a.m.
Almost a month later, on January 21st, surveillance footage reportedly captured him throwing rocks at a daycare window and then igniting a fire through that opening.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either the restaurant or daycare incidents.
Investigators noted that evidence from the various locations suggested similar methods were used to start the fires, helping identify Ole as the suspect.
Ole was initially arrested in late January with charges stemming from the restaurant and daycare fires, as court documents indicate.
The charges associated with the deadly fire were announced on Wednesday, but it’s still uncertain if Ole had any prior connection to the Bassis or if their homes were specifically targeted.
Currently, he is being held at the Denton County Jail, facing a bond set at $2.1 million, according to law enforcement.
