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Police nab suspected San Jose arsonist

A rash of recent dumpster fires in San Jose led police to an unlikely suspect over the weekend.

San Jose Police arrested a 56-year-old woman Saturday night after fire department investigators caught her attempting to set a fire in a residential area, according to Fire Capt. Mary Gutierrez.

Glynnis Sundelius, the suspect, was apprehended right in the hub of where investigators have been spending the last few days patrolling in an effort to find the culprit.

Mysterious dumpster and vegetation fires began in late September. A total of 11 have been reported — and are believed to be connected.

The spree spanned the course of 18 days, with the most recent taking place Saturday.

Sundelius was arrested on suspicion of one count of arson. Gutierrez told the Merc that while Sundelius may have been caught in the act of one fire, it’s not certain if she’s linked to the string of fires:

“The investigation and questioning will continue to see if she’s responsible for the other 10 suspicious fires.”

Sundelius was released Monday morning on bail.

The fires were dangerously close to homes, causing the fire department to worry about the fires spreading. The string of blazes caused no damage to residential buildings and no injuries have been reported.

Police released no further information on the suspect and her arrest.

Last modified October 16, 2012 4:25 am

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