ARSON! Florida Man Caught ‘Covered in Soot and Ash’ After Setting House on Fire, Police Say

Spotted walking away from a blaze, “covered in soot and ash,” a Florida man is now facing first-degree arson charges. 🌐 #News #JacksonvilleFL #Florida #Crime

JACKSONVILLE, FL – A Florida man was taken into custody Sunday night after he was spotted leaving the scene of a house fire, visibly “covered in soot and ash,” according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities responded to the fire near Riverside Avenue in the Brooklyn neighborhood alongside Jacksonville Fire and Rescue. William Baker, 47, was apprehended quickly after witnesses identified him near the burning property.

The fire was extinguished without any injuries reported, but investigators believe Baker’s actions may have started the blaze.

Arson Suspect’s Behavior Raises Questions

A deputy responding to the scene noticed Baker walking away, noting his disheveled appearance. Body-worn camera footage released by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on Monday showed Baker being detained near the fire. In the footage, a deputy can be heard saying, “I know who you are. You were at the gas station.”

Authorities described Baker as a “known transient” in the area. He had been arrested three times in the previous four weeks, officials said. Initially, Baker claimed he was camping nearby but later added, “I was homeless right here.”

The property where the fire occurred was reported to be vacant, and investigators suspect Baker had been squatting there prior to the fire. Surveillance video from a nearby gas station revealed Baker allegedly purchasing gasoline shortly before the fire started.

Dogs Found Injured in Fire

As deputies questioned Baker, his focus shifted to his two dogs, who were with him at the time of the incident. Baker told a deputy, “Decoy might be in here, but I don’t know where Minnie is at. She might have escaped.”

According to the sheriff’s office, the dogs “appeared to have sustained injuries from the fire.” Their current condition has not been disclosed.

Legal Action and Community Response

Baker was booked into the Duval County Jail on a charge of first-degree arson. The sheriff’s office commended neighbors for their vigilance and quick reporting, stating, “We thank the neighbors who called 911 right away. See something, say something.”

Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire. No additional charges have been announced.

RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Florida

Editor’s note: Photos used for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual subject.

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