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HomeLocal / Area NewsFORMER VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY ARRESTED ON 20 COUNTS OF...

FORMER VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY ARRESTED ON 20 COUNTS OF ARSON

A volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services (EMS) crew member in Alpine, Texas, was arrested on July 5 on suspicion of setting multiple brush fires in the area.

David Matthew Neet, 44, of Alpine, Texas, was arrested by Brewster County Sheriff’s Officers in connection with multiple wildland fires spanning 2023 – 2024.

An initial Brewster County Sheriff’s Office investigation found the origins of the serial arson fires suspicious, prompting Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement investigators to work with them to further investigate and determine the cause of the fires.

The investigation started when a white Dodge pickup was seen leaving the area of one of the blazes in June. A Brewster County Investigator started looking art security cameras and was able to get a license number. The investigator then started looking at other security videos and the same truck with Neet driving was seen. He then started viewing the security video from the fire station and found that Neet was arriving moments after the fire was called in then leaving with other firefighters to battle the blaze. The investigator found several more instances of the same pattern and was able to get a warrant to put a tracking device on Neet’s truck.  That tracking device followed Neet to Odessa where he worked. With investigators following they came upon several people fighting a small grass fire along Highway 67, the same road just after Neet had passed it. At that scene, investigators found fireworks packaging and determined the fireworks caused the blaze.  Investigators then went to a fireworks stand just east of the location and were able to get a credit card receipt for Neet’s purchase of that type and brand of fireworks. Security video from a nearby business showed Neet purchasing the fireworks and placing a bag in his backseat. They then obtained a search warrant for the truck and Neet’s apartment, THey found the fireworks, a GoPro camera, firestarters, and a backpack with electronics.

Neet is currently being held on a $300,000 bond at the Brewster County Detention Center on 20 counts of Texas Penal Code 28.02 Arson F2.

As mandated by the 34th Texas Legislature, Texas A&M Forest Service enforces all laws related to the protection of forests and woodlands and prosecutes violators. Arson is a state jail felony punishable by up to 20 years and no less than two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.

“We investigate wildland arson cases, and work to bring those responsible to justice,” said Jarred Lemmon, Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service. “The success of this case would not have been possible without the work of Brewster County Deputy Holquin.”

Since Jan. 1, 2024, Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel have responded to 70 wildfire investigations and 48 timber theft complaints.

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