NAPLES, Fla. — A homeless man was arrested for a Naples condominium fire on Wednesday that seriously hurt a woman and killed a dog.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) confirms that 40-year-old Patrick Barrett was arrested in connection with the fire in the 5200 block of Treetops Drive just before 11:00 p.m.
According to CCSO, Barrett is charged with arson to an occupied dwelling, arson causing bodily injury, and cruelty to animals in connection with the fire. Investigators say he can be seen on surveillance video setting the fire with a blow torch and then running away.
Detectives said the victim was sleeping when she awoke to noises outside and the smell of smoke inside. She said she had to break her bedroom window to escape because the house was engulfed in flames.
The woman has first- and second-degree burns to 10 percent of her body and was taken to a local hospital. Two dogs were also inside the residence. One of the dogs died.
Deputies report responding to the street on two separate occasions earlier in the day for disturbances involving residents and Barrett. Another resident said Barrett threatened his life during the second incident because he refused to give Barrett money to buy drugs.
This resident told detectives he came home to find his house on fire and Barrett running from the scene.
Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “The suspect’s deliberate and intentional criminal act nearly cost a woman her life and killed a defenseless animal, and he will now be held accountable.”
