ELYRIA, Ohio — A registered Arson offender was arrested in Elyria on Wednesday after allegedly setting fire to a gas station dumpster.
According to the Elyria Police Department, the fire department was dispatched to the Valero Gas Station at 404 East Ave. in response to a dumpster fire. Upon arrival, firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, which was set ablaze.
Due to the fire's suspicious nature, the police department was notified and reviewed security footage in which they saw a suspect, who was later identified as Michael Fafard, setting fire to the contents of the dumpster.
Fafard was arrested after being located near the intersection of East Avenue and 4th Street. Police officers said he admitted to setting the fire after the gas station clerk refused to sell him alcohol.
Fafard was charged with aggravated arson, vandalism and criminal trespassing. He was transported to the Lorain County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond pending a court appearance.
According to police, Farfard had previously been cited for trespassing at the same gas station as this incident on Oct. 15. He is also a registered arson offender with a history of arson-related offenses and is currently on probation in Michigan for a 2023 arson conviction.
Michigan authorities have been notified regarding Farfard's recent arrest and an extradition warrant is anticipated.
