MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A homeless man trying to stay warm started a fire that damaged some homes in a Manitowoc neighborhood, police allege.
The fire was reported early Monday morning at a vacant home in the 3300 block of Mero Street. Police and firefighters say they determined the fire started in a detached building on the property, then spread to the vacant home and other homes nearby. Police say the fire caused significant damage to occupied homes in the area.
Thursday morning, police were watching a business on Calumet Avenue. They saw 56-year-old Charles Cantrell III, whom they considered a person of interest in the case. Officers talked to him and they say he admitted starting the fire. Investigators say Cantrell told them he accidentally started the fire to keep warm, and it spread out of control.
Cantrell was jailed on suspicion of criminal trespass to a dwelling and negligent handling of burning materials.
No formal charges have been filed.
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