Man arrested and charged with three felonies after string of arson reports in Payette

PAYETTE, Idaho (KBOI) — Payette Police say a man has been arrested Tuesday for setting a fire at the Payette Maverik gas station.

Wednesday, Brad Heater was arraigned at the Payette County courthouse for three felonies: arson in the first degree, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a fire arm.

This act of arson follows a string of crimes reported in Payette in the last few days.

On Monday, police received several arson and vandalism reports: a fire that severely damaged a fast food restaurant, another fire that engulfed and destroyed a truck, a vandalized trailer home and a shattered business window.

Police chief Mark Clark tells KBOI-2 that police believe Heater is connected to all the crimes on Monday. However, Heater was only arraigned for the crime at the Maverick gas station.

"So far Mr. Heater has only been charged with the Maverick investigation, there is no connection thus far we have not taken any affirmative action for charging on any other matter," said Joshua Dolton, Payette County chief deputy prosecuting attorney.

Police say the other crimes are still under investigation. Heater's preliminary hearing is set for May 8.

The Payette County judge set bond at 50,000 dollars total and says Heater could potentially face up to 37 years in prison for his crimes.

ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmpaeTlrlwvsSppqusXaKur3nAq6meq6SasW6txa2cq2Wjqb%2BqusZmpp9lkafAsLqMq5ypp6KpwG61zWanmrGVqcGm