Arson suspect arrested in connection to Phoenix carport fire

PHOENIX (FOX 10) - Firefighters say a suspect has been arrested in connection to a fire at a Phoenix carport that burned 12 vehicles.

According to Capt. Rob McDade with the Phoenix Fire Department, 23-year-old Francis Klettke was arrested Thursday morning after he was spotted sleeping on a bus stop bench near 15th Avenue and Highland.

On Wednesday, officials released a photo of a man they called a "person of interest" in connection to the fire that burned 12 vehicles at an apartment complex near 15th Avenue and Hazelwood on Tuesday.

Capt. McDade says a citizen recognized Klettke from a photo that was released by authorities in connection to the fire.

"An arsonist in our community is dangerous," said Cpt. Rob McDade with the Phoenix Fire Department. "It puts citizens lives at risk of bodily harm, potentially fatal, but it also puts firefighters at risk."

Klettke was asleep on a bus stop bench when the citizen called police. He was arrested and booked into jail on arson charges.

"Elation, I'm excited, I'm glad something is being done and that he was arrested for what he did," said Valerie Eskridge.