Lexington County, SC (WLTX) -- Lexington County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a man on Friday for allegedly setting two fires at Pineview Elementary School in West Columbia.
An arrest warrant states that on July 30th, 54-year old Thomas Riley of West Columbia, set one garbage dumpster on fire at the school. A second arrest warrant alleges that on August 30th, Riley intentionally set fire to a plastic garbage can on the school's playground.
According to deputies, Riley was found hiding behind a tree near the Pineview playground which is about eleven minutes from his home.
Sheriff James Metts says at the time of his arrest, detectives found a tube of K-Y Warming Jelly, one red lighter, one blue lighter and a pack of Camel Menthol Cigarettes. Deputies say they also found a pair of Riley's blue underwear on top of the jungle gym where he set the second fire.
Riley is charged with two counts of third degree arson.
The motive for starting the fires is still under investigation.
Sheriff Metts has asked that anyone with information about suspicious activity involving Riley contact the Lexington County Sherri's Department at 785-8230 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-Crime-SC.