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DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Wasim Majeed, 37, is in custody, charged with third-degree arson in connection with at least 15 overnight brush fires that were set between Sunday night and Monday morning, April 26-27, in the Clarkston area.
Interim Fire Chief Melvin Carter said police captured Majeed early Monday morning. and he as found with items consistent with starting fires when he was arrested.
Investigators used surveillance footage to link Majeed to the fires near Georgia State University ‘s Clarkston campus. Authorities said they do not know if Majeed has any connection to the university and they were still working to determine a motive for the arsons.
Chief Carter said the fires did not cause any injuries or property damages. However, the response from first responders tied up resources.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson praised investigators for linking the fires quickly and the fire crews who responded and kept them from spreading.
“… It is imperative that you move and respond expeditiously and quickly because of course once a fire is set, it can travel,” said Cochran-Johnson, said during a press conference.
The first fire was reported on Sunday, April 26, around 8:30 p.m. near Memorial College Avenue. A series of other fires occurred near Parklane Drive, Hallford Stadium and North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston.
“The safety of DeKalb County residents remains our top priority. We appreciate the coordinated efforts of our first responders and partner agencies who worked diligently to bring this situation under control,” DeKalb County government officials said in a statement.
The investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available, officials said.