Arson cited in early morning fires Monday

A series of early morning fires on 25th street in Columbus were arson, according to police and a local man is in custody.

Columbus officers were called to a report of a tree on fire near 25th and California Streets at about 4 a.m. Monday morning. That’s when officers noticed a dumpster on fire in the 1000 block of 25th Street. A search also revealed another tree on fire in the area.

Police reviewed security footage from a nearby business and identified 48-year-old Robert M. Lucas as a suspect. He was arrested Monday afternoon on a charge of arson. Police found a syringe in his clothing and he is facing another charge of possession of a legend drug injection device.

Columbus police were assisted by Columbus Fire Department and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.