Suspect Arrested in Mountain Preserve Arsons

June 14, 2001

The following is a statement released by Phoenix Police Chief Harold Hurtt regarding the arrest of a suspect in the mountain preserve arsons.

Today, June 14, 2001, Mark Warren Sands, 49, was arrested for a series of arson fires involving new homes under construction in close proximity to mountain preserve lands. Sands was arrested pursuant to a multi-count federal indictment in connection with eight fires.

The arrest was the culmination of a lengthy investigation conducted by the Arson Task Force, which partnered the Phoenix Police Department, Phoenix Fire Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Police Department joined the Fire Department in October 2000 when the complexity of the investigation dictated the need for additional manpower, resources and expertise. The task force was brought to bear upon this community problem in December 2000, to provide a multi-disciplined approach and additional assets. The Phoenix Police Department alone has expended over 30,000 man-hours in this investigation. At various times, assets from 13 different police department units were utilized. In addition, several other city departments assisted the investigative team.

The level of inter-agency cooperation should serve as the model for future investigations of this sort. Information from investigators is that Sands acted alone. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in these cases for their dedication and hard work.

Media Contact:

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