An arrest has been made in multiple recent arsons in the Temple Terrace area.

  • Matthew Ethridge charged with arson in two recent fires
  • Investigation picked up after fire at Temple Terrace baseball complex
  • Officials said Ethridge confessed to fires

According to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Matthew Ethridge, 27, was arrested and charged with two counts of second degree arson in connection with fires on May 30 and in early June.

Fire officials said an investigation after a storage building was burned at the Temple Terrace Pony Baseball Complex led to a conclusion of arson but no suspect was identified.

Fire officials spoke with Temple Terrace Fire Rescue, the State Fire Marshal and the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office after the fire.

While investigating another Temple Terrace fire on June 12, sheriff's officials spotted a pedestrian near the scene and stopped him for questioning.

Officials said the pedestrian, Ethridge, claimed to be riding his bicycle by the area and saw the fire trucks but denied any involvement in the fire.

Fire investigators reviewed records and determined a March fire in the area also shared similar characteristics. It was also determined Ethridge, of Thonotosassa, was serving probation for a bomb hoax at the time of the June 12 fire.

Officials interviewed Ethridge a week later and said he told them he had a  lifelong affinity to fire. He confessed to setting two of the four fires investigators were focusing on and was arrested without incident, officials said.

Authorities are trying to determine if Ethridge is responsible for any other fires.