Crime & Safety
Man Sets Own House on Fire
Police are investigating what caused a 29-year-old Petaluma man to pouring gasoline over his apartment and then turning on the stove, which caused an explosion and destroyed two units at the Baywood Arms apartment complex.
Four people were displaced Thursday evening after a fire engulfed an apartment in the 1100 block of Baywood Drive that police say was set by one of the residents.
Police and fire responders arrived at the Baywood Arms apartment complex shortly before 7pm Thursday and found resident Gerald Charles, 29, whose clothing and hair were singed from the flames. Charles admitted pouring gasoline on the inside of the apartment then turning on the stove, which caused an explosion inside the unit. He did not say what motivated him to set his house on fire and was arrested on charges of arson and booked into Sonoma County Jail.
Two apartments were completely destroyed, with occupants in one unit losing nearly everything they owned. Damage to the building and property is estimated at $100,000.00. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries and the fire was contained by 7:20pm. The occupants are staying with relatives at this time, according to the Petaluma Fire Department.
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