WATERLOO – Waterloo police and fire were faced with up to 5 arson fires overnight, but an off-duty officer seems to have caught the man who is responsible.
Overnight of Thursday, June 29, 2017 Waterloo Fire and Police Departments responded to 5 separate fires within a little over an hour time frame. All locations were abandoned type buildings:
– 217 W. 8th Street
– 54 Lane Street
– 121 Irving Street
– 526 Logan Ave
– 521 Pine Street
An off-duty officer was on his way home and saw the fire at 526 Logan Avenue and observed a lone male walking on E. 4th Street who was detained. The male was identified as Justin Edward Silos, age 37, of Waterloo. Silos, while being interviewed, did confess to starting the fires.
Justin Silos was charged in Black Hawk County District Court with 5 counts of Arson 2nd degree and Public Intoxication 2nd Offense.
All five fire locations remain under investigation by Waterloo Fire Marshal.