Tulsa Police arrest arsonist after car set on fire downtown

The Tulsa Police Department arrested a man downtown on Sunday who is suspected in multiple arson cases.

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Tulsa Fire Department Arson Investigators, with help from the Tulsa Police Department and TFD Engine 4, arrested 40-year-old Lonnie Craig Fox on two counts of arson.

Investigators connected Fox to a car fire near 200 S. Boulder, and with video evidence, they quickly identified, located, and arrested him just a few blocks away at a little park located at 7th and Denver.

Fox is also suspected of an August 6, 2025, fire at First Presbyterian Church, where surveillance footage showed him intentionally setting fire to the entry doors.

Investigators linked him to both incidents, and he was booked into jail on multiple arson charges.

This isn't Fox's first time facing arson charges; he was convicted in 2016 for setting multiple fires inside LaFortune Tower apartments in Tulsa.

This whole case was solved due to the outstanding Tulsa Fire Department Arson Investigators. We were more than happy to facilitate the suspect’s ride to jail.

These cases highlight the importance of thorough investigations, collaboration, and community awareness.

We remind everyone: if you see suspicious activity or someone trying to start a fire, call 911 right away.

If you have information about a previous arson-related fire, contact Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS. Your call could save lives and protect property.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported in these recent fires.

This is an arrest and not a conviction.