Austin car dealer may be connected to four fires in the city: police

Austin car dealer suspected of multiple fires

Arson investigators say one of Austin's biggest car dealers could be connected to several fires in the city.

AUSTIN, Texas - Arson investigators said one of Austin’s biggest car dealers may be connected to four fires in the city.

Dorsey Bryan Hardeman was arrested for charges connected to one of the first last month. He could be facing more charges.

Man caught on camera setting fire to building

Austin businessman Dorsey Hardeman was caught on camera setting a building on fire in Downtown Austin and investigators believe he may be connected to another arson case.

The first fire happened on Feb. 17 at 4811 South Congress. Three days later, firefighters were called out to the same location for another fire.

On Feb. 25, there was a fire at a vacant commercial building at 4917 South Congress. The street was shut down for hours as firefighters worked to put out the flames.

That same day, another fire broke out at the former Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop on Nueces Street. Investigators said Hardeman was seen on surveillance video breaking in, then he poured gasoline, lit matches, and walked out of the building and back to his Mercedes-Benz. Fire investigators said it was then that they made the connection of Hardeman to the other arson just days before.

Now, investigators say they are aware of all four fires and aren’t ruling anything out as far as Hardeman being connected to them.