Freeport man accused of locking dogs in closet, intentionally setting home on fire
FREEPORT — A man was arrested Wednesday night after firefighters extinguished a large blaze at his home that killed one of two dogs he reportedly admitted to locking in a closet.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Walton County Fire Rescue responded to the home on Madiera Drive in Freeport just after 9 p.m., according to the Sheriff’s Office.
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The South Walton Fire District, North Bay Fire District and Eglin Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services also assisted. While on the way, firefighters could see heavy smoke coming from the area, the WCFR reported.
Crews found flames fully engulfing the single-story home, and the owner, 46-year-old Kevin Powell, “behaving very erratically” outside.
At one point, Powell retrieved tools from one of the WCFR’s fire engines and used them to damage his vehicle, the Sheriff’s Office said. He was detained for his own safety.
Deputies evacuated numerous homes while firefighters fought the blaze. They had the fire under control in about an hour, and were able to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby homes. However, a dog that had been trapped inside a closet died.
According to the WCSO, Powell admitted to locking his two dogs in a closet and lighting the floor outside of it on fire. He also told deputies he had spread ammunition around inside the home. One of the dogs reportedly escaped.
While in custody, deputies said Powell was verbally abusive and continually tried to get out of his handcuffs. He is charged with second-degree arson and animal cruelty.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Freeport man charged with animal cruelty, arson after dog dies in fire
