Dayton area man suspected of being a serial arsonist, arrested by state fire marshal
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 06/23/2021 - 11:06am
CARSON CITY — On June 14, 2021, the Nevada Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division, in conjunction with the Central Lyon Fire Protection District, investigated a vehicle arson fire that occurred in the area of Cash Drive and Carry Way. The investigation led to the discovery of several other arson fires in the Mound House industrial area and burglaries in fire stations located in Douglas, Washoe, and Lyon counties.
State Fire Marshal investigators and Lyon County Sheriff Deputies conducted surveillance operations, and on Monday, June 21, 2021, they arrested Kevin Matthew Critor while he was attempting to set another arson fire in the area of Cash Drive and Carry Way. Critor was in possession of a firefighter badge and a firearm during the incident. Critor is 29 years of age and from the Dayton area.
A search warrant was executed on Critor’s property, where investigators found over $50,000 in firefighter equipment, fire department uniforms, firefighter identification cards, and public safety radios. Critor was also in possession of a retired fire engine with operating emergency lights and siren and two other vehicles with aftermarket emergency lights. Additionally, Critor reportedly would identify himself as a firefighter while having no ties to any fire agency.
“Arson is a serious crime that affects an entire community and can quickly drain emergency resources. We are glad that we were able to apprehend this individual before he caused further damage to the community or injured someone,” said Acting Lieutenant Joseph Rodriguez.
Critor was booked into the Lyon County Detention Facility on the following charges:
3 Counts of 3rd Degree Arson
15 Counts of Possession of Stolen Property
3 Counts of Tampering with a Fire Hydrant
2 Counts of Impersonating a Public Officer
2 Count of Possession of Control Substance
1 Count of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm
The investigation was conducted in partnership with the Nevada Department of Public State Fire Marshal Division, Central Lyon Fire Protection, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Department of Public Safety Parole and Probation and Investigations Divisions.
The State Fire Marshal encourages anyone with information about arson fires to contact the Arson Hotline at 844-NV ARSON (682-7766). Callers may remain anonymous.
