ALPINE, Texas — A West Texas volunteer firefighter and EMS crew member was arrested July 5 on suspicion of setting multiple brush fires in the area, spanning from 2023-2024.
David Matthew Neet, 44, of Alpine was arrested by Brewster County Sheriff’s Office deputies on 20 felony counts in connection with multiple wildland fires. His bond was set at $300,000. Arson is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
The initial BCSO investigation found the origins of the serial arson fires suspicious, prompting Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement investigators to work with them to further investigate and determine the cause of the fires.
“We investigate wildland arson cases, and work to bring those responsible to justice,” Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Jarred Lemmon, said. “The success of this case would not have been possible without the work of Brewster County Deputy Holquin.”
Since Jan. 1, 2024, Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement has responded to 70 wildfire investigations and 48 timber theft complaints.
