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Suspect Arrested In Philadelphia Arson Attacks

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Police say they've arrested a suspect in connection with two intentionally set fires at a Philadelphia home.

Leonard Monroe was charged Thursday with arson, aggravated assault, causing catastrophe and other offenses.

Police say the 24-year-old set fire Nov. 9 and Dec. 1 to a home on Coulter Street in the city's Germantown neighborhood.

In both instances the attacker placed a Molotov cocktail or other incendiary devices inside the front door.

Eight people escaped the Dec. 1 fire and firefighters were able to extinguish it within minutes.

Police say they're also looking at Monroe for a fire at the same residence Sunday that damaged a Christmas tree and gifts.

Monroe is jailed on $1 million bail. He's due in court Jan. 16. The public defender's office didn't immediately return a message.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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