KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A man was arrested Thursday for setting dumpster fires in the Merchant Dr. area during the overnight hours of Sept. 10.
The Knoxville Fire Department said crews responded to several fires during that time, and one of the fires damaged the exterior of an Outback Steakhouse building. Investigators were able to identify a suspect in the fires — Joshua F. Linebarger.
That suspect was taken into custody on Clinton Hwy. on Sept. 15 and is facing charges of arson, criminal trespass and setting fire to personal property.
According to records, authorities said he set fire to a large rolling container of cloth napkins and rags next to the restaurant's door, causing the damage. He is also accused of setting fire to clothing, garbage and furniture behind a KARM thrift store on Merchant Dr.
