The sandals gave him away.

When Arizona police officers detained 30-year-old Everardo Gregorio near the charred remains of a Jewish synagogue on Thursday, they noted his footwear matched those captured on surveillance footage from the early morning hours of last week’s devastating fire.

In the darkness before dawn on Monday, security cameras caught a figure moving repeatedly around 913 E. Eighth Street, home to Khal Chasidim community center in Casa Grande. By 5 a.m., the building was engulfed in flame. No one else was seen in the vicinity at the time.

Fire trucks from Casa Grande, Eloy, and Maricopa quickly converged on the scene. One firefighter collapsed from heat exhaustion as crews battled the devastating fire, according to local news affiliate ABC15.

The Khal Chasidim center had become a small but vital institution, housing not just religious services but also Kosher Palace, a grocery delivery store serving those who observe traditional dietary laws. As protocol dictates when fires occur at houses of worship, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined local police in sifting through the destruction .

All gone.

Shortly after the fire, investigators closed in on Gregorio. When questioned, he denied involvement, insisting he “was home and sleeping at the time.” But the sandals on his feet appeared identical to those worn by the lone figure in the surveillance footage.

“Our office takes fire investigations seriously, especially when they impact places of worship and community gathering,” said Casa Grande Fire Marshal Frank Ricci in a statement. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Casa Grande Police Department and ATF in bringing this case to a resolution.”

Police have since booked Gregorio into jail on arson charges while the investigation remans ongoing.