AUSTIN, Texas — Dorsey Bryan Hardeman, founder of Continental Automotive Group, has been charged in connection with multiple fires in Austin over the last several months.
According to the Austin Fire Department, the 75-year-old man allegedly started a fire at 500 Pampa Drive on Christmas day. He was reportedly trying to purchase the property.
A couple of months later, on Feb. 14 and Feb. 20, fires were intentionally set at 4811 South Congress Avenue. Investigators checked surveillance video and determined that Hardeman set the fires.
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“Investigators believe this was in an effort to clear the property of two remaining mobile homes that were hindering the sale or development of the property,” AFD said.
On Feb. 25, yet another fire was intentionally set at 400 Nueces Street. Hardeman was seen on security video again.
Hardeman was taken into custody for the most recent fire on Feb. 29. He was arrested again on April 24 in connection with the other fires. He is charged with two counts of 1st Degree Felony Arson in the S. Congress fires, and one count of 2nd Degree Felony Arson in the 500 Pampa Dr. fire.
CAG has six car dealerships in Austin, including Austin Subaru and Mercedes-Benz of Austin.
