A 56-year-old homeless man set fire to as many as two dozen dumpsters early morning on Aug. 15 around the 14700 block of Northeast 20th Street in Bellevue and Redmond.

The Bellevue and Redmond police departments investigated the fires after reports came in about two fires behind the IHOP in that area at around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday morning. Officers located 12 dumpster fires in Bellevue and 10-12 fires on the other side of 148th Avenue Northeast in Redmond.

The Bellevue Fire Department responded and extinguished the fires.

As officers canvased the area for more fires and witnesses, they located an individual who identified the suspect and pointed out that he was in a wooded area nearby.

Based on this tip, police requested assistance from King County Sheriff’s Guardian One helicopter, which responded and eventually located the suspect.

Bellevue officers ultimately arrested the suspect for criminal trespass and second degree arson. After an interview with Bellevue detectives, the suspect was booked into jail.

According to police, no structures were damaged other than the dumpsters and there were no injuries.

Currently, police aren’t looking for any other suspects.

“Based on the proximity of the fires, we believe he is the only suspect involved,” Bellevue police public information officer, Seth Tyler said.

Bellevue Police and Fire responded to several dumpster fires last night. A suspect was arrested. Photo courtesy of the Bellevue Beat Blog.