Florida church arson suspect tracked down thanks to his slippers, police say

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A 38-year-old man is charged with arson after police say he set fire to a Fort Pierce church.

Police spokesman Ed Cunningham says cameras at Indian River Presbyterian Church captured the arsonist pouring a liquid on a door and setting it afire early Thursday, causing damage to the door and a floor.

Detectives noticed the suspect was wearing slippers, so thought he might live nearby.

They went to a neighboring apartment complex where someone identified Tyquaris Ward from a photo. Detectives found Ward wearing the same clothes and smelling of smoke.

Ward was being held on $15,000 bail Friday at the St. Lucie County Jail. Documents don't show if he has an attorney.

A Fort Pierce mosque suffered extensive damage in a Sept. 11 fire. A suspect was arrested.

Cox Media Group