A former student at Livermore High School was arrested on suspicion of arson Tuesday after allegedly starting three fires at the school, police said.

Police received a radio report from the high school at 600 Maple St. at 4:20 p.m. alerting them that arson had been committed in the administration building, Livermore police Sgt. Kevin Santin said.

The fire was started in the hallway using lighter fluid or some other accelerant, and was extinguished by the school resource officer, who
then contacted police.

Witnesses saw a male suspect running out of the building shortly after, and two other fires had been started in the building, Santin said.

Police arrived on the scene about five minutes later and spotted a suspect nearby at the corner of McLoed and Third streets.

The suspect fled on foot from officers, who chased him for two blocks before tackling him at the corner of McLoed and First streets.

Police arrested 18-year-old Livermore resident Alessio Piras, a former student at Livermore High School who currently attends another school in the district, Santin said.

Santin said that police have evidence and witnesses implicating Piras in the fires.

Scott Morris, Bay City News

— Bay City News Service

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.