What happened: A man is accused of setting an apartment on fire in Wellington, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Background: PBSO says that Caleb C. Romelus, 19, was taken into custody on Thursday after deputies were called to a house fire and were made aware that the suspect — later identified as Romelus — fled the residence on foot after the fire began.
Speaking with several family members at the scene, Romelus was identified as the man who started the fire, and a fire investigator determined it was arson and identified multiple areas of origin inside the home. Lucie County Investigators also found a charred stainless-steel pot containing charcoal residue and liquid in the apartment, along with an open bag of charcoal briquettes and charcoal lighter fluid nearby.
Additionally, a second and third area of origin were found inside the apartment. PBSO says that eventually, they received a call from Romelus saying he was at another location and was ready to surrender to deputies.
After reviewing evidence and speaking with Romelus, PBSO found probable cause to charge him with first-degree arson of an occupied dwelling.
The available details are limited to the information verified at publication time. Readers should expect updates as the matter develops.
Any person identified in connection with an alleged offense is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: official sources including CBS12 News.
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