Cape man charged with arson following bathroom fire
A Cape Coral man remained in jail Friday after he reportedly started a fire in a bathroom at his home.
George Edward Neal, 24, of 1137 S.E. 35th Terrace, is being held on no bond at the Lee County Jail on one count of first-degree arson. According to Cape police, Neal set toilet paper on fire in the bathroom, causing $500 in damage.
He told police that he started the fire to kill himself, a report states.
Neal’s mother, who also lives in the home, started smelling smoke coming from the bathroom at about 10 a.m. Thursday and called 911. Upon arrival, fire units found that the fire was started in a waste basket, but was out.
Fire investigators determined that the fire was started with a lighter.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded and assumed the investigation, according to officials. Based on the evidence, they charged Neal with arson.
Neal was scheduled to be in court Friday.
Cape man charged with arson following bathroom fire
The State Fire Marshal’s Office has arrested George Edward Neal, 26, and charged him with first degree arson in connection with a morning fire at his home.
At 10:13 a.m. today, Cape Fire units responded to 1137 S.E. 35th Terrace to a report of a fire in the bathroom. According to the homeowner, her son had set toilet paper on fire in the bathroom. Fire units arrived and found that the fire was started in the waste basket and was now out.
Cape Coral Fire Investigator Michael Burkhart determined that the fire was started in the spare bathroom of the home with a lighter. Damage estimate was $500.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Based on the evidence, Neal was arrested this afternoon and charged with arson.