(Washington, DC) Members of the DC Fire Investigation Unit (FIU) have arrested a man suspected of setting a fire last November that resulted in a two-alarm blaze, which caused thousands of dollars in damage.

The fire broke out November 29 in the 1000 block of Monroe Street, NE. The fire started in the rear porch area of one rowhouse and quickly spread to the adjoining home. No civilian injuries were reported, but one firefighter was hospitalized with what were called minor injuries.

After conducting countless hours worth of interviews, fire investigators developed a suspect, 39-year-old Marcus Hutchinson, a homeless man who had been harassing the owner of the house where the fire started, according to the homeowner. Investigators located Hutchinson and employed surveillance techniques. Early on January 3, 2006, investigators followed Hutchinson into a Northwest drug store, where he was viewed shoplifting several items. He was taken into custody, and, after an interview, admitted setting the November 29 fire.

“This is a textbook example of a heads-up investigation,” said Fire EMS Chief Adrian H. Thompson. “Our investigators are to be commended.”