PHOENIX, Ariz. — A man was arrested on suspicion of arson after allegedly setting fire to a mailbox outside a US Postal Office early Thursday morning, according to the Phoenix Police Department.
Authorities said the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. at the postal office in the 3900 block of North 7th Avenue. The Phoenix Fire Department responded to the blaze, which damaged a free-standing mailbox, and contacted the department’s Arson Investigation Taskforce to investigate the cause.
Investigators reviewed the scene and collected surveillance footage from the area. According to a statement from authorities, the investigation led to Dieter Klofkorn, 35, who was apprehended on an unrelated arrest warrant.
While in custody, Klofkorn admitted to starting the fire, investigators said. According to officials, Klofkorn stated he wanted to be arrested and indicated his actions were not politically motivated and unrelated to the upcoming election.
Klofkorn was booked on a felony charge of arson of property, police said. Authorities noted that additional details are part of an ongoing investigation.