Three suspects arrested in Tahlequah for arson spree damaging properties and hydrants

Three suspects were arrested for reportedly setting more than 20 fires and vandalizing fire hydrants. According to the Tahlequah Fire Department, the suspects caused property damage and significant water loss to communities in at least three counties.

Tahlequah Fire Chief Casey Baker said Jacob Mills, 24, of Cherokee County, Sebastian Ritter, 21, of Adair County, and a 17-year-old boy confessed to setting five structure fires and numerous grass fires in Cherokee and Adair Counties. Officials said the suspects admitted to draining the water from fire hydrants in a number of communities throughout Cherokee, Adair, and Sequoyah Counties.

Baker said the three suspects were identified during an investigation into two structure fires in eastern Cherokee County in the early morning hours of April 21.

Read more: KTUL (Tulsa, OK)