Capitol car arson suspect arrested in Iowa Copyright by KXAN - All rights reserved Copyright by KXAN - All rights reserved Michael Patrick Wagner Arson suspect caught in Capitol car fire Michael Patrick Wagner prev next

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Governor Greg Abbott released a statement following the capture and arrest of the suspected arsonist who set fire to a vehicle on Capitol grounds late last week.

Michael Patrick Wagner, a 38-year-old resident of Iowa, was arrested by the Marion Police Department in Linn County, Iowa on Wednesday. At the same time, DPS officers - two Texas Rangers and a Criminal Investigations Division Special Agent - were traveling to Iowa with an arrest warrant from Texas for a second-degree felony or arson.

"We originally got a call from the Texas Rangers on Wednesday afternoon regarding Wagner and that he was a possible suspect in the arson case," said Lt. Scott Elam with the Marion Police Department. The Texas Rangers asked Marion police to setup a surveillance on Wagner and monitor him until they were able to secure a warrant for his arrest.

While Marion authorities were watching him, they saw him shoplift some items from a store. Marion police were able to get a search warrant for Wagner's car and the hotel room where he was staying. They ended up arresting later that day on a theft charge.

A source tells KXAN, on Friday, someone was seen around Speaker Joe Straus' office and apartment and tried to open the door but wasn't able to get in. Later that day, a fire was set on a car in the staffer parking lot.

"I applaud the Department of Public Safety for swiftly and successfully capturing the suspected arsonist believed to have set fire to a vehicle at the Capitol," said Gov. Abbott. "I look forward to the suspect's extradition to Texas to face justice."

DPS said they cannot say who owns the damaged vehicle because of the ongoing investigation. KXAN has learned the primary car damaged belongs to a Sergeant at Arms and the second vehicle damaged belongs to a house staffer.

DPS investigators followed up on numerous leads related to the vehicle arson and were able to identify Wagner's vehicle through a Capitol complex parking ticket. Wagner's vehicle information ultimately led investigators to Linn County.

Wagner is currently being held at the Linn County Jail awaiting extradition back to Texas.

"I am grateful for the Department's collaborative work with local and federal authorities in this effort and the Department's continued service to ensuring all those working in or visiting the Texas Capitol feel safe and protected," Abbott said.