Arson Arrests Made

Tampa Police have arrested two men in connection with a rash of fires at the J.L. Young Apartments, 8220 N. Florida Ave.

The suspects were identified as Jacinto Rodriguez Vazquez, 66, and Edwin Torres, 59, both residents of the apartment complex, according to a news release by police spokeswoman Andrea Davis.

Police detectives and Tampa Fire Rescue have been investigating nine arsons between Sept. 21 and Saturday at the apartment complex, Davis said.

Investigators placed surveillance cameras around the location in hopes of catching the culprits in the act. On Friday morning, officers responded to the apartments for an arson report. The cameras captured Vazquez lighting a bag on fire and throwing it down the garbage chute, Davis said. Three hours later, Torres was recorded by a camera setting another fire.

Each fire caused about $750 in damages, totaling nearly $7,000, Davis said. Detectives are continuing to investigate if these two suspects are responsible for the other fires.

Torres was released from Hillsborough County jail after posting $15,000 bond. Vazquez remains in custody in lieu of a bond set at the same amount.

Anyone with information is asked to please call the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130.