An Izard County man, 58-year-old Charles Crider of Melbourne, has been arrested and charged with a felony count of arson after he is alleged to have set fire to an apartment complex in Melbourne following an argument.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed Monday, the Izard County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a fire at the Quail Run Apartments on Moser Street just before 1:30 Saturday morning.
Izard County officers and the local volunteer fire department arrived to find fire in five apartment units, including three that were occupied. Occupants of the three units were evacuated.
The fire was concentrated in one apartment where deputies located a lawn mower burning and setting against its exterior wall. A burning motorcycle was located behind an apartment building adjacent to the burning building. The motorcycle was determined to belong to Crider.
The female occupant of the apartment where the fire was concentrated told law enforcement she and Crider argued prior to the blaze, and she demanded the Melbourne man leave.
She said she heard Crider leave on his motorcycle. After he left, she went to bed. She was awakened by authorities warning that her residence was on fire.
Crider allegedly told investigators the burning lawn mower had been moved from the porch area of the apartment next to the female’s. In addition, a gas can located behind the woman’s apartment was kept near the front door, covered by an object to prevent theft.
Investigators determined the fire started at the exterior of the residence where the lawn mower was found. The fire burned up the exterior wall and into the ceiling. The blaze destroyed the roof and portions of the walls of the apartment building.
In addition, the fire destroyed the woman’s personal property, as well as the belongings of occupants of the adjacent apartments. The damage to the structure and personal property of the occupants exceeded $100,000.
Crider was interviewed Saturday afternoon and reportedly admitted he was angry at the female apartment occupant when she told him to leave. Shortly after being kicked out, he returned and set the lawn mower on fire. He said he believed the woman had left the residence, and he denied wanting to hurt anyone.
Crider’s bond was set at $50,000.
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