UMATILLA, Fla. — A man has been arrested in the investigation into a string of arson fires earlier this year in and around Umatilla.
- Several structures, dumpster, 4 vehicles burned in less than 2 weeks
- Task force formed in early March to investigate suspicious fires
- Investigators arrested James Anthony Bennett on arson charges
James Anthony Bennett, 48, of West Altoona Road in Altoona, was arrested on a warrant Thursday afternoon, the Lake County Sheriff's Office said.
The investigation began in mid-February, after five separate fires broke out over a weekend. Among the structures that burned were a barn, a home's garage, and at least two vehicles.
Just a few days later, a Lake County Sheriff's deputy's personal vehicles were torched.
Investigators determined the fires were intentionally set.
In late February, investigators got a break: Surveillance video from inside a Sunoco gas station captured a person walking in and setting a fire at the counter.
A task force of Sheriff's detectives, state fire marshals, fire rescue investigators, and police officers formed in March determined that there were at least eight fires they considered suspicious.
Lt. John Herrell says they suspected Bennett for a while but couldn’t move on him until they got a key piece evidence.
Information obtained earlier this week allowed investigators to get a warrant for Bennett's arrest, they said.
“It wasn’t until earlier this week, that a witness came forward and really solidified our suspicions. He provided us what we needed. He gave us information that Bennett had given to him, that only a suspect would know. It was information and details that had not been previously released in media interviews, so that was kind of the missing link and it all came together, Herell said.
He says Bennett already had a lawyer, so he was not forthcoming with information to investigators, though Herell says they still don’t have a motive for the alleged crimes.
Bennett faces charges of four counts of arson and two counts of armed burglary. His total bond is $300,000.
