Why was someone like this walking around in public?

From the Village Voice:

One would think that one arrest is a petty mistake; two arrests, you're pushing your luck; three arrests, you might want to reconsider your lifestyle. But 45 arrests is a whole other story. And, for 43-year-old Thien Dinh, that's the kind of record he was working when he was arraigned this morning for intentionally setting about 13 fires ablaze in Queens County over a five month span.

The accused suspect was charged on Friday with the crimes of arson, reckless endangerment and burglary. In the past, Dinh's 45 arrests included burglary, property damage and Lord knows what else. The Associated Press reported that it's "unclear whether or not he has an attorney" and the phone at his place in the Bronx doesn't work.

But, regardless, his 45 prior arrests will probably make his need for an attorney pretty pointless.