‘Significant breakthrough’: 1 arrested in connection with Bartlett fire

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A suspect was arrested Friday and charged with arson related to an investigation into the recent fires in Bartlett, according to the Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Williamson County jail records show Carlos Jermaine Crathers, of Temple, was booked into the facility Friday. As of Saturday afternoon, he did not have attorney or bond information listed.

Law enforcement said Crathers confessed to being involved in one of the fires.

Officials said the investigation remained active, and they were working to determine if Crathers was connected to two other fires in the Bartlett community.

The Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office said the “significant breakthrough” was possible with help from the detectives of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information, photos or videos related to the Bartlett fires was asked to contact the Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office at 512-943-3831 or by emailing firemarshal@wilcotx.gov.

“Such contributions are invaluable to the ongoing investigation, and the community's cooperation is greatly appreciated,” law enforcement said.