He’s due back for a preliminary hearing in the case on Thursday afternoon.
Bidwell is charged with arson (felony and misdemeanor classifications), vandalism, tampering with evidence and two counts of possessing criminal tools.
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Urbana Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb said he was relieved when he got the word from Urbana police that officers had made an arrest in the top-priority case.
Since the fires started, he said the community has been working together to find the arsonist.
The fire department even worked with the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee to offer a cash reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist.
“Probably the thing that made me feel best of all is several texts from local business owners thanking us for what we did and what the police division did,” he said. “I could not be more pleased with the police division, the city and the community in helping us get this solved.”
Bidwell’s arrest followed at least five different fires set to the back of the Douglas building on Monument Square — the two most recent were on Friday and Saturday.
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Bidwell was taken into custody when police say he returned to the scene of the fire and tried to tamper with surveillance cameras in the back of the building.
Ortlieb said they were both small fires — one was out before before fires crews got on scene and the other firefighters put out.
“Any small fire can turn into a large fire so that’s why it’s still a big deal to us,” he said.
At this point, Urbana police say Bidwell has given them information that links him to at least two of the arson fires.
More charges could be forthcoming.
Bidwell was still listed in custody as of Tuesday evening.
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