Suspect in custody in connection with series of fires in northern ND towns

Bottineau County, N.Y. (KMOT) – A man has been arrested following a high-speed chase in connection with a series of fires in southern Bottineau County and other surrounding counties that authorities believe were set intentionally, according to the Bottineau County Sheriff.

Sheriff Steve Watson told Your News Leader that authorities were alerted to a series of fires in the area around 2:30 p.m.

The number of fires is unclear, although some reports suggest there may have been more than 10 fires in the area.

Watson also confirmed that a Bottineau County deputy’s patrol car caught fire after the deputy used his vehicle to flag down a suspect, but the deputy was able to get out of the patrol car and was not injured.

It is believed that the deputy’s patrol car caught fire due to a spark from its catalytic converter. The patrol car is a total loss.

Bottineau and McHenry counties received assistance from the North Dakota Game and Fish and Border Patrol.

No law enforcement or civilians were injured in the fire or chase, the sheriff said.

This is a developing story. Check with your News Leader for updates.

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