Police arrested 44-year-old Timothy Brown of Burlington, charging him with second-degree arson in connection to a Dec. 4 house fire at 407 S. Leebrick St. Investigators allege Brown started the fire following an argument with the homeowner over a personal dispute involving a woman he had been romantically involved with.
The fire, which began around 7:52 p.m., engulfed the property, causing a total loss. The owner, Ryan Miller, and another resident were not injured, though the property lacked working smoke alarms.
Security footage and witness statements led to Brown’s identification. Surveillance showed him purchasing $5 of gas and walking with a gas can shortly before the fire. Witnesses also recalled Brown making threats and later admitting to setting the fire out of anger.
Brown was arrested on Dec. 30 after a short foot pursuit and was also found in possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond and faces additional charges, including interference with official acts. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 9.
