Local homeowner arrested and charged with arson
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A house fire on magnolia avenue turns into a police investigation, after officers say a man set fire to his own home.
A quiet Wednesday night, takes a turn for residents on 18th street and Magnolia Avenue.
“Close to 11:30 last night we heard a boom from our bedroom,” said an anonymous neighbor.
The Yuma Fire Department rushed to the neighborhood.
“Five or ten minutes after that my husband left to go to the store and saw someone leaning on my neighbor's truck and then when the fire department came, he took off on foot,” said the anonymous neighbor.
“When our officers arrived, we talked to YFD personnel who were already on scene and they said an elderly gentleman was in the driveway and made a statement about setting the residence on fire,” said Yuma Police Department Sgt. Lori Franklin.
The Yuma Fire Department was able to take out the fire and contain it, but the home cannot be reoccupied.
The 66-year-old man was found east of where the fire happened and was identified as the homeowner.
“Officers went looking for the gentlemen, they did find him, it was confirmed that he owned the residence and he was arrested and booked for the arson of the structure,” said sgt. Franklin.
Police say there was no one else in the house.
One firefighter had a minor burn injury but there were no other reported injuries.
This is still an ongoing investigation, so if anyone has information regarding this case, call the Yuma Police Department or 78-crime to remain anonymous.
