Man Accused Of Arson In Meth Chemical Theft Arrested In Muskogee

The Tulsa Fire Department announced the arrest of a man they say started a fire in a Tulsa hardware store in order to steal meth-making chemicals.

Tulsa County fire investigators arrested James Porter, 27, Thursday at his home in Muskogee. He was booked into the Tulsa County Jail and faces two counts of 1st Degree Arson and two counts of Endangering Human Life and Emergency Personnel During A Felony.

Investigators say Porter started a fire last week in the men's restroom at the Ace Hardware store located at 8929 South Memorial in Tulsa.

Porter is accused of setting the fire to distract employees so he could steal chemicals needed to make meth. Crews responded quickly and extinguished the fire before it spread to the rest of the store.

03/16/2012 Related Story: TFD: Tulsa Hardware Store Fire Set To Steal Meth-Making Chemicals

Investigators believe Porter has been committing these types of arsons at other retailers.

Bixby fire investigators joined the case after hearing news reports on the incident and realized the same type of crime had been committed in Bixby.

Porter also faces drug related charges in Muskogee County. Heather Goodenough was also taken into custody and faces several drug related charges as well.