Man caught on camera setting front porch on fire in Surprise arrested, police say

SURPRISE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- Police have arrested a man accused of setting the front porch of a Surprise home on fire days before Christmas. Surprise police detectives linked 36-year-old Justin Winjum in connection to the crime on Thursday evening.

On Dec. 22, a Ring doorbell camera filmed Winjum in a red hoodie outside a home near Greenway Road and Bullard Avenue. He was seen pouring flammable liquid on the wall and front door, then lighting the fire before driving away. Surprise police posted photos of him on social media and, along with tips from the community, were able to connect Winjum to the crime.

Court paperwork detailed that tipsters helped detectives pinpoint his workplace, where authorities were able to see Winjum wearing the exact same jacket and driving the same vehicle used in the crime. After his arrest, investigators interviewed him and Winjum denied being involved in the arson, saying he did not even own a “red or maroon jacket like the one” in the video.

Police say Winjum’s motive for the crime is still unknown. Winjum was booked into the Maricopa County jail on one count of arson of an occupied structure and criminal damage. Police say the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Surprise Police at 623-222-4000 or 623.222.TIPS (8477); or email crimetips@surpriseaz.gov.

Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.