Local businessman charged with multiple counts of arson

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin businessman who was arrested after he was accused of setting multiple fires was charged with multiple counts of first degree arson, the Austin Fire Department said in a news release Wednesday.

Dorsey Bryan Hardeman, 75, is accused of intentionally starting those fires, with the first one that was reported on Dec. 25, 2023 in the 500 block of Pampa Drive, according to AFD. The agency said Hardeman was "attempting to purchase" that property. Investigators were able to connect him to that fire after the insurance company obtained surveillance video, where he was seen setting the fire.

Hardeman is the founder of founder of Continental Automotive Group (CAG).

Then, on Feb. 17 and 20, fires were "intentionally set" at 4811 S. Congress Ave, according to AFD. Investigators with AFD "believe this was in an effort to clear the property of two remaining mobile homes that were hindering the sale of development of the property."

After reviewing video evidence, investigators determined Hardeman intentionally set the fires, according to AFD.

At this point in time during the investigation, officials said another fire was "intentionally set" on Feb. 25 at 400 Nueces St. In that investigation, Hardeman was identified on security video and was also connected to that fire, according to AFD.

Hardeman was arrested on April 24 and remains in the Travis County Jail, according to officials. Furthermore, AFD said he was previously arrested for the fire at 400 Nueces St. on Feb. 29.