Crime

Fresno man faces eight counts of arson in summer wildfires

A Fresno man will be charged with at least eight counts of arson, a probation violation and possession of a dagger, the Madera County District Attorney’s Office said.

Michael Lee Lapschies, formerly of Coarsegold, is accused of starting fires on Road 222 near Pettitt Road; on Road 222 near Miller’s Landing Resort; and on

Road 223 near Road 426, the district attorney’s office said. He was arrested by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and Cal Fire.

A complaint will be filed Friday by the district attorney’s office, and Lapschies is expected to be arraigned Friday afternoon.

Tomas Kassahun: 559-441-6659, @TomasKassahun

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 9:03 PM with the headline "Fresno man faces eight counts of arson in summer wildfires."

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