ONLY ON 7: Man accused of Alameda arson fires posts bond, leaves jail

ALAMEDA, Calif. (KGO) -- One of the suspects accused of setting eight arson fires in Alameda last month is thanking family and friends for their support.

Stephen Peterson left Santa Rita jail Thursday morning after posting a $150,000 bond.

A judge cut the bond by more than half after reading letters from Peterson's supporters.

In an interview, the 27-year-old says he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"It's extremely difficult, but I know we're going to beat this, and I know I'm innocent and I just want to thank everybody," Peterson said. "I really believe in the justice system right now, and they've given me a chance and I need to take that."

The fires last month damaged or destroyed several homes and businesses, as well as a number of cars.

Petersen and 22-year-old transient Andrew Gutierrez face multiple counts of felony arson. Gutierrez has admitted to setting one of the fires while high on methamphetamine.