Augusta Man Accused of Trying to Set Fire to a Diesel Pump

Augusta Police have located a man they say tried to set fire to a diesel pump at a local convenience store last month.

Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland says 30-year-old Brian Dyer was arrested at his Hicks Road home on Thursday night by representatives from the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Augusta Police. He's accused of trying to set a diesel fuel pump on fire outside MD's Market on Riverside Drive.Before setting the fire, the suspect had purchased a gasoline additive, lighter fluid, and a roll of paper towels. While he did manage to start a fire, it went out before any real damage could be done.

The incident happened at approximately 12:45 on the morning of May 17th. Police circulated a surveillance camera image of the man and asked for the public's help identifying him. Based on the response they received, Dyer was charged with arson and taken to the Kennebec County Jail.