Elyria police arrest alleged serial arsonist for another arson

ELYRIA, Ohio (WOIO) - Elyria police say officers arrested an alleged serial arsonist for yet another arson Wednesday.

This time, police say it was all connected to a gas station refusing to sell the man alcohol.

Police say the blaze was especially dangerous due to being so close to the gas pumps and building.

According to police, firefighters were called out around noon to the Valero Gas Station on East Avenue for a dumpster fire.

Firefighters got the fire under control and tipped off police to its suspicious nature.

When police reviewed the business security camera footage, they say alleged serial arsonist Michael Fafard,49, was caught on camera setting the fire.

According to police, Fafard was found in the area of East Avenue and 4th Street, and he was arrested.

When looking into his background, officers said they learned Fafard is a registered arson offender and wanted by Michigan authorities.

Plus, police said he was already banned from the gas station for trespassing.

The 49-year-old is now facing charges of:

Fafard is being held without bond at the Lorain County Jail, pending his first court appearance, according to police.