Winfield man charged with fire at own house
WINFIELD — A Miranda Lane resident faces charges that he tried to burn his own residence, following an investigation by the Winfield Police Department and Winfield Fire Department.
Denny Lee King, 47, of Winfield, was charged following a Thursday evening explosion at his residence on Miranda Lane, a private drive just north of Winfield School.
According to an arrest warrant filed by WFD Investigator Rob Reed, a fire was discovered inside King’s home shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday evening. Neighbors contacted authorities after hearing an explosion and seeing flames inside the residence.
Allegedly, neighbors observed King pull up near his residence in a 1984 Chevy Blazer, where he sat for a period of time with his lights off before pulling into his driveway and entering his residence. Neighbors alleged that he re-emerged from his residence minutes later, got into his Blazer and backed into the road, where he waited a period of time before leaving, still with his lights off.
A short time later, neighbors allegedly heard the explosion, which was strong enough to blow out the windows on one side of the residence and blow glass from the windows 10 feet into the lawn of the residence.
Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes and were able to contain the fire to the living room of the residence. Reportedly, the fire began on a sofa in the living room. Firefighters’ quick response was credited with saving not only King’s home, but two other homes which were located within 30 feet of the residence.
Acting on the information from neighbors, Reed notified Scott County Sheriff’s Department officers to be on the lookout for a vehicle matching the description of King’s vehicle. A short time later, King was allegedly stopped near the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 27 and Baker Highway in Huntsville by Deputy Sandy Tucker.
Allegedly, an empty gasoline container, a second container containing gasoline, a lighter, a razor knife with wax and a candle were recovered from King’s vehicle.
King was charged with arson, setting fire to personal property or land, and reckless endangerment. He was scheduled to have been arraigned Monday in Scott County General Sessions Court.