Man who was refused alcohol set dumpster fire at Elyria gas station, police say

CLEVELAND, Ohio – A suspect admitted to lighting a fire in a dumpster Wednesday outside a gas station in Elyria after an employee refused to sell him alcohol, authorities said.

Michael Fafard, 49, of Toledo, is accused of setting the trash can on fire around 12:18 a.m. at the Valero gas station, located at 404 East Ave., police said. He was charged with aggravated arson, vandalism and criminal trespass.

Elyria firefighters notified police after putting out the fire. Officers used security footage to identify Fafard, who was seen on camera starting the fire near the gas pumps and storefront, police said in a statement.

Officers located Fafard near East Avenue and 4th Street, where he was arrested. Fafard told officers he set the dumpster on fire because the gas station clerk refused to sell him alcohol, police said.

Fafard was banned from the gas station after being cited Tuesday and charged with trespassing.

No injuries were reported.

Fafard is on probation in Michigan for a 2023 arson conviction. He could be extradited to Michigan to face violations there.