Winnipeg man charged with 21 counts of arson after string of vehicle fires

A Winnipegman has been chargedafter 21 vehicles were set on fire over three weeks.

The fires were reported in St. James-AssiniboiaandAssiniboineSouth, Winnipeg police said in a news release on Monday.

In each case, the fires were started overnight or in the early morning hours and involvedflammable material put up againstthe vehiclethat was then set on fire, said Const. Jay Murray.

Police estimate the damage adds up to more than$100,000.

The string of arsons began on Aug. 13, when a hatchback in the area of Portage Avenue and Woodbridge Road was damaged.

On Sunday, police arrested a 27-year-old man in his home on Hendon Avenue.

"As these fires started to come in, investigators started to determine where likely the majority of these incidents were happening, and we were able to focus on that area," Murray said.

"And it was through some good old-fashioned police work and just being out in the area that they were able to identify a suspect."

The 27-year-old has been charged with 21 counts of arson and 21 counts of possessing incendiary material.

He was detained in custody.