Visalia man arrested for arson spree

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Visalia Police said they have a serial arsonist in custody Sunday.

They claim 36-year-old Charles Spurlock sparked at least four fires within a span of two-and-a-half hours.

It started around 9:30 a.m. Saturday when they say he set fire to a vacant building and about an hour later police said he sparked a blaze at the Fairfield Inn on Akers Street.

Guests were forced to evacuate as crews got the fire under control.

Shortly after that, police said he set a small grass fire before walking into Trinity United Reformed Church and setting it ablaze.

After responding to the church, officers managed to track down Spurlock after he jumped into several backyards before being arrested.

In total, authorities said he caused more than $40,000 in damage.