A Harrisonburg man, Ryan Lambert, 40, is in custody following his alleged involvement in setting multiple fires across the city Monday night. The fires occurred around 11 p.m., and Lambert is suspected of starting four separate blazes, including one near Kroger on East Market Street and several others in trash cans outside Best Buy, Model Nail Spa, and PetSmart.
The fires were quickly extinguished by Harrisonburg Fire Department crews, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, Lambert’s actions prompted a manhunt when witnesses provided a description of his vehicle—a distinctive orange truck pulling a white jeep.
Police located Lambert at a Sheetz on East Market Street at 1:15 a.m. Tuesday. When officers attempted to approach him, Lambert fled, leading authorities on a pursuit that stretched into Rockingham County. The chase ended in Greene County, where Lambert was apprehended.
Lambert is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of felony eluding and one count of obstruction of justice. Additional charges from the Harrisonburg Fire Department are expected as the investigation continues. Lambert was also wanted for a firearms violation and protective order violation in Chesterfield County.
Currently held without bond at the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional Jail, Lambert is scheduled for a court hearing on May 20 at the Harrisonburg/Rockingham General District Court.