A serial arson suspect dubbed the “Burning Bush Bandit” by law enforcement authorities was arrested in Kingman Tuesday. Deputy police chief Rusty Cooper said Charlie Lee Balluff, 39, Kingman, had been identified as a suspect and was under surveillance.
Officers conducted a traffic stop on Dove Lane at 7:00 a.m. after Balluff drove from his home in the 3600 block of Bond Street. Cooper said Balluff was found to be in possession of a usable quantity of methamphetamine and that a subsequent search of his residence turned up evidence linking him to the arson spree.
Cooper said Balluff is believed to be connected to more than 400 arson incidents in the Kingman area dating back to 2013. He said Balluff has made some admissions regarding his involvement.
The arson incidents are the focus of ongoing investigation. No one was hurt in the series of arson fires.
Balluff was initially booked into jail for 14 arson related counts, four reckless burning charges and possession of dangerous drugs.
