Arrest made in string of Lake County arson fires, deputies say

  • Source: WKMG-TV CBS 6 Click Orlando
  • Published: 04/18/2019 03:53 PM

Lake County deputies said they have arrested the person responsible for a string of arson fires in the area in February. James Anthony Bennett, 48, of Altoona, was arrested Thursday at his home. He's facing four counts of arson and two counts of armed burglary. Nine fires were reported during a nine-day period beginning Feb. 17. The flames affected a mobile home, a dumpster, a home with a teenager inside, a truck, a barn, an off-duty deputy's vehicle and more, all in the Umatilla area. Bennett is facing charges in connection with the fires at Old Crow BBQ, Sunoco, a mobile home and the deputy's vehicle, Lake County Sheriff's Office public information officer Lt. John Herrell said. The five remaining fires are still under investigation. It's possible that the suspect could face additional charges, deputies said.



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