Cape man charged with arson in house fire
A Cape Coral man was charged with arson Thursday after police say he set fire to a home he thought was an “eyesore.”
Michael James Plazewski, 24, of 226 SW 37th Street, was charged in connection with a fire at 3702 SW 3rd Ave. on Sunday. The home was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters called to scene arrived at 1:30 a.m. Fire investigators later deemed that this fire was intentionally set, officials said.
The home was not occupied and has been vacant for some time.
Cape Coral Police Detectives Daniel Iten and Todd Kerns assumed the investigation on Thursday and developed several leads. During the course of their investigation, Plazewski, who lives less than a block away from the fire, was identified as a possible suspect, officials said, adding probable cause was established for Plazewski’s arrest for arson.
Members of the Cape Coral Police Departments Street Crimes Unit then met with Plazewski at his residence and took him into custody without incident.
During an interview at the Cape Coral Police Department, Plazewski stated that he did intentionally set the home on fire because he believed it to be an “eyesore,” officials said.
According to city records, the home had received more than 20 code violations over the years, many of which resulted in liens. The active cases have thousands of dollars of fees levied against the property.
A neighbor said the home had been damaged in Hurricane Charley and never properly repaired.
The house was destroyed in the fire, burning nearly to the ground.
Plazewski is being held in the Lee County Jail. According to jail records, bond was denied.
Source: Cape Coral Police Department