A Huntington man is in the Baker County Jail today on a charge of first-degree arson for allegedly starting a fire that destroyed three establishments on the Main Street of Huntington.
Raynmon Garcia, 22, was arrested at 11:48 p.m. Thursday at 50 E. Washington Street in Huntington. The three-business historic structure had housed Howell’s Cafe, the Streamliner Lounge and Grady’s Tavern.
Marie Wilcox, owner of the Huntington Bait & Tackle Shop, which sits behind the burned building, talked through tears recounting how friends and neighbors rallied to save the Wilcox property, which also includes boat and RV storage areas.
Michael Wiley, who along with June Kenick owns Howell’s Cafe and the Streamliner Lounge, according to the Baker County Assessor’s Office, was the first person on the roof of the bait and tackle shop as embers flared and threatened the property, Wilcox said.