An Antioch transient was arrested last week in connection with a series of fires that were set to palm trees along the city's waterfront in February, authorities said.Kenneth Ray Crandell, 39, was arrested April 2 on suspicion setting illegal fires. He was identified as a suspect after a joint investigation between the Antioch Police Department and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
Crandell is accused of setting at least four palm trees ablaze from Feb. 8 to the 13. On Feb. 8, authorities were called to fires burning in two large palm trees near West 2nd and A streets, and on Feb. 12 and 13, two more palm trees burned in the same area. An arson investigator determined that all of the blazes were intentionally set.
Crandell was arrested and released last week, pending charges by the Contra Costa County District Attorney's office, which are expected to be filed soon.
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