Capitol Grounds arson and break-in committed by same man

Investigators Monday said an arson attack and attempted break-in at the state capitol last week were committed by the same man.

The car fire happened Friday in the south Capitol parking area.  Earlier in the day - security guards inside the Capitol had also been notified that a man tried to break into a secured area used by House Speaker Joe Straus.

FOX7 was the first to report that both acts were allegedly done by the man DPS had originally classified as “a person of interest.”

“It is the same person,” said DPS Director Steve McCraw.

While investigators have connected the dots linking the two incidents, the suspect has not yet been identified and a motive has not been determined.

"It is wide open, it is too early to speculate on anything and no lead will go uncovered,” said McCraw.

The Friday attack at the Capitol comes 7 years after another high profile arson attack on state property. In 2008 the Governor's Mansion was set on fire by an unidentified man. The suspect -who was recorded on camera walking near the Mansion - is similar in size and shape to the man who allegedly set the Capitol car fire. McCraw told FOX7  there is nothing to indicate, at this time, that the two cases are linked together.

"I’m always troubled when someone comes on the Capitol grounds, or anyone else for that matter, and commits crimes,” said McCraw.

For tips regarding the Arson cases call:

512-472-TIPS (8477)

To report suspicious activity call 911 or log on to www.iwatchtx.org.