Police arrest man suspected of arson after series of small fires in Merced

A man suspected of causing a series of small fires in Merced has been arrested, according to authorities.

Shorty after 5 p.m. Monday, Alan Wade Lopez, 44, was arrested in the area of 27th and G streets after a series of fires occurred near Bear Creek and the Bear Creek Village shopping area, according to Merced police Lt. Emily Foster.

Firefighters responded at about 4:30 p.m. to a brush fire along the bank of Bear Creek in the area of 28th Street according to fire officials. Shortly after, firefighters responded to another brush fire along the Creek near Park Place.

Firefighters also responded a tree on fire behind the In-Shape Health Club located in the Bear Creek Village shopping center and a fire located near Bear Creek Galleria. According to fire officials, no injuries were reported minor damage occurred to the roof of In-Shape due to fire embers.

Police said Lopez was identified as a suspect after reviewing video surveillance from the area. He was found riding a bicycle away from the area of the In-Shape Health Club when he was arrested. Lopez was also found with a concealed fixed-blade knife, according to Foster.

Lopez was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony arson of inhabited structure or property, possession of dagger as well as misdemeanor trespassing and disorderly conduct, according to jail records.