Archive for May 14th, 2008
Arson Suspect Arrested
Brian Crowder, 31, arrested after eyewitness called police.
Authorities said Brian Crowder set a small blaze that was quickly extinguished. They planned to question the 31-year-old about larger wildfires that have found ample fuel in developments in the region, where the state has not held controlled burns to cut back vegetation.
A resident alerted police after seeing Crowder throw an object from his car that sparked the fire, Palm Bay Detective Ernie Diebel said. The object was a glass bottle containing a flammable liquid, Palm Bay Police Chief Bill Berger said.
The resident described a dark car, and officers stopped Crowder’s vehicle shortly afterward. Crowder got out of his car and fled, Diebel said.
Officers tracked Crowder through the woods with the help of other residents who spotted him running past their homes, police said.
Records show that Crowder has drug, burglary and automobile theft convictions dating from 1996. He was charged Wednesday with six probation violations.
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