A Geraldine man suspected of setting a house on fire has been arrested, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.聽
About 10:38 p.m. Tuesday, DeKalb County deputies were dispatched to 1535 County Road 54 in Geraldine, where Geraldine Fire Department and Crossville Fire Department were currently fighting a fully engulfed house fire.
Deputies say, once they arrived, they determined an altercation between two residents of the home and a trespasser had occurred immediately before the fire, which was suspected to have led to the house being intentionally set on fire.
The DeKalb County Criminal Investigation Unit was then notified and responded to the scene.
After interviewing the residents of the home, the sheriff's office says the trespasser was identified as 27-year-old Toby Robert Joshua Townsend.
A search of the immediate area then ensued and investigators were able to locate him hiding in a large field behind the residence several hundred yards away.
Investigators and deputies set a perimeter around the field and called in the DeKalb County Aviation Unit in order to provide overwatch before moving in to make contact with him.
Once Aviation Unit resources were in place, investigators and deputies moved through the field, made contact with Townsend, and detained him without incident.
Townsend was arrested on scene for outstanding warrants.
After further investigation, deputies say Townsend was charged with assault, criminal trespass, and arson.
Townsend is currently being held without bond in the DeKalb County Detention Center due to violation of the bond schedule for previous charges.
鈥淚 would like to thank Geraldine and Crossville Fire Department for keeping the fire contained and keeping everyone safe," said聽DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden. "Thank you to DeKalb County Deputies, Investigators and Aviation Unit for finding the individual responsible for this unnecessary act of evil as quickly as you did."
鈥淚t takes everyone working together as one to get the job done fast and efficient and you all proved that to be true Tuesday night.鈥
Toby Robert Joshua Townsend
