AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Fire officials say they've arrested a suspect in connection with an attempted arson incident at the headquarters of the Travis County Democratic Party earlier this week.
Fire investigators identified the man as 30-year old Ryan Faircloth.
“It was a pretty busy 48 hours to both identify the subject, locate the subject and apprehend the subject,” said Captain Jeffrey Deane with Austin Fire's Arson Investigations unit.
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Firefighters were called to the scene at East 6th and Navasota Streets around 2:15 a.m. Wednesday morning. Bystanders were able to extinguish a small fire, while the main incendiary device, commonly referred to as a "molotov cocktail", failed to fully ignite.
Deane said surveillance video at the scene, as well as tips helped investigators identify Faircloth.
Travis County Democratic Party Chair Katie Naranjo praised the work of investigators in a statement after the announcement of Faircloth's arrest.
“Our community is freer and safer to participate in elections thanks to Austin Fire Department and FBI investigators and to the engagement of TCDP staff and our neighbors," said Naranjo. "Democrats are committed to breaking down barriers to ensure the safety of voters, our community, and our democratic process. When we work together, engage the community, and denounce far-right radicalism we make our community safer.”
Officials say Faircloth is facing two charges - possession or manufacture of a prohibited weapon, a third-degree felony, and arson, which is a second-degree felony. Bond has been set at $25,000 for the arson charge and $15,000 for the possession charge.
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