What to Know
- A man in the Tampa Bay area is charged with starting a fire inside his home that killed a dozen animals.
A Tampa Bay area man has been charged with setting a fire that killed 10 exotic birds and two cats.
The Tampa Bay Times reports that 51-year-old Thomas L. Bennett was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree arson and animal cruelty.
The State Fire Marshal's office investigated the June 3 blaze. It caused about $80,000 in damage to the Gulfport home.
Investigators say Bennett had argued with a woman inside his house before dousing the garage in gasoline and lighter fluid and lighting it on fire. Authorities say he then tried to use a propane blow torch in the living room to set the carpet and furniture on fire.
Bennett was being held on $50,000 bail. Jail records didn't list an attorney.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
