Retired Texas Car Dealer Allegedly Can't Stop Doing Arson

Screenshot: KVUE

Typically, you would think that once someone retires, their hobbies would include things like working on their project car, gardening or perhaps traveling the country in their RV. Apparently, though, one retired Austin, Texas car dealer decided none of those things were interesting enough and decided to take up arson instead. According to Automotive News, Bryan Hardeman, the founder of Continental Automotive Group, was recently arrested on arson charges for the second time since February.

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Hardeman, who is currently 75, was arrested last Wednesday and charged with two counts of first-degree felony arson, as well as one count of second-degree felony arson. This arrest follows the one in February where he was charged with felony arson and burglary in connection with a fire at an old bike shop. At the time of his second arson arrest, he was out on bond.

In his first arrest, security footage showed an older man in what appeared to be a white Mercedes GLS 580 arrive at the property. The man then went inside and set multiple fires before leaving. Currently, though, authorities believe he is responsible for at least four fires between December 25 and February 25. And all are believed to be properties that Hardeman was attempting to buy. Austin police say they believe the February 17 and February 20 fires were intended to get rid of two mobile homes that were “hindering the sale or development of the property.”

“We have had no access to the investigation facts or findings at this time, so it would be premature for us to comment. We are hopeful to get access to the State’s file to begin working on Mr. Hardeman’s case as soon as we are permitted to get the information from the District Attorney,” Hardeman’s lawyer told Automotive News.

Austin businessman facing arson charges in connection with multiple fires

H/T: CarScoops