A man has been sentenced for setting fires at three restaurants in Crystal City earlier this year and reportedly trying to frame a past employer.
Timothy Clark Pollock last Friday received the maximum 10-year sentence for arson of an unoccupied building, but all but two and a half years is suspended, according to court records. The remaining years of Pollock’s sentence would apply if he violates the terms of his probation after his release.
While questions remain about a possible motive, court records indicate that Pollock tried to frame an Alexandria restaurant owner, whom Pollock had previously worked for, as the perpetrator.
Law enforcement responded to Restaurant Row around 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 9 after small fires were reported at three neighboring restaurants: Crystal City Sports Pub, Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant and McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant.
Surveillance video released shortly after the incident showed an unknown person — later determined to be Pollock — setting the fire in front of Freddie’s. Freddie’s received threatening calls from an anonymous caller before and after the fire, owner Freddie Lutz told the Washington Blade.
According to court documents, detectives were notified that Pollock contacted Freddie’s again four days after the incident. He claimed to have information regarding the blaze and then tried to frame his past employer, according to court documents.
When contacted by police, the business owner stated that Pollock had worked at his Alexandria restaurant for one month and was a suspect in a breaking and entering there.
Pollock was ultimately arrested and charged with setting the fires on Jan. 16.
Each of the three fires was quickly extinguished and resulted in minimal damages. No injuries were reported, and each of the three restaurants remains in operation.
