The Lake City Police Department announced Friday the arrest of Marvin Franklin Roberts, 70, following a home arson fire from February.
Police officers arrived at 324 SE Colburn Ave. on Feb. 18 at around 1 a.m. and noticed black smoke coming from inside. The homeowner said that she thought her ex-boyfriend, Roberts, was still inside. The Lake City Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire.
When walking through the property, first responders found Roberts in the storage shed behind the house. He was transported to HCA Florida Lake City Hospital for treatment.
Investigators found two separate origins for the fire that both showed signs of accelerant use. The investigation concluded that the fires were set intentionally.
Evidence was collected and set for laboratory analysis, and based on the investigation, the police department said probable cause was established that Roberts intentionally set the fire while the homeowner was inside.
Roberts was charged with arson of an occupied dwelling and attempted felony murder.
“Our officers and fire personnel responded quickly to a dangerous situation involving an intentionally set fire in an occupied home,” Police Chief Gerald Butler said in a press release. “Their coordinated response ensured the safety of the victim and allowed investigators to quickly determine the cause of the fire.”