Cases: 2024-2840294 and 24-2840534

Date: October 10, 2024

Times: 6:52 a.m. and 9:37 a.m.

Locations: 1601 E. Elmo Street and 4100 block of Santiago Street

The Austin Fire Department (AFD) Arson Division responded to two fires on October 10, 2024. The investigations led to the identification of a single suspect responsible for both: Ronald Sells, 42.

The first, case 24-2840294, occurred behind a convenience store. Fire crews arrived on scene at approximately 6:52 a.m. to find a trash fire that was started along the back wall and spread to the structure. Surveillance video from the store captured footage of Sells lighting debris on fire and placing cardboard on top to fuel it.

A witness confirmed that Sells had started other fires on the property after having been caught shoplifting and removed on October 6.

The second, case 24-2840534, occurred at approximately 9:37 a.m. in an open field in the 4100 block of Santiago Street. Austin Fire Department crews responded to a trash fire in a field. A male, later identified as Ronald Sells, was observed moving a tent away from the fire and changing his clothes repeatedly.

An AFD Investigator interviewed Sells who denied involvement. The investigator noted the presence of a red t-shirt and black backpack in plain view, which matched the clothing worn by the suspect in the convenience store video, and a disposable lighter lying near the tent.

Ronald Sells was arrested by the Austin Police Department for an outstanding warrant. He was transported to the convenience store to allow witnesses from the first incident to identify him before being booked into the Travis County Jail.

Sells has been charged with two counts of arson and one count of deadly conduct. His bond has been set at $50,000.

Ronald Sells, 42