A Cape Coral teen was arrested on arson and property damage charges after being accused of setting a North Fort Myers home on fire.
Lee County deputies responded to the scene on Monday around 10:10 p.m., where they said the flames had already been extinguished. Deputies found a gas can near the rear door.
North Fort Myers Department investigators arrived on the scene and deemed the incident to be arson.
Deputies investigated the Bayshore Road and Slater Road area and found video surveillance of a suspect purchasing a gas can and gasoline from Circle K.
The suspect, later identified as Anjay Montemoino, 17, was seen wearing a black hoodie, pants and sneakers.
Deputies say he matched the clothing description from the scene.
The homeowners told deputies they noticed an orange light outside their window and thought nothing of it. Minutes later, the window went up in flames.
A homeowner told deputies he went to the front door with a blanket to try and extinguish the fire. They then noticed the back door was also on fire.
A neighbor saw and got an extinguisher to help put out the flames from the back door and lanai area.
The homeowners recovered their security footage, which showed Montemoino in dark clothing walking around the property with a gas can.
Deputies spoke with the neighbor, who said he smelled gas while watching a movie inside. He went outside and saw a person in all-black clothing running away.
Deputies gathered information on Montemoino and found his home, where they say he was in the driveway.
A search warrant was conducted, and detectives found a black sweater, black Reebok sneakers, which they say smelled like gasoline, and a debit card matching the Circle K purchases.
Deputies arrested Montemoino and took him to the Lee County Jail, where he is facing one count of arson and one count of damage to property.
Expert Legal Support for Property Damage Claims
Dealing with property damage can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when insurance companies attempt to undervalue your claim. Ovadia Law Group is here to help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. Whether your property was damaged by natural disasters, accidents, or negligence, our experienced attorneys will fight to protect your rights. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the damage, work with insurance adjusters, and pursue legal action if necessary. Don’t let property damage disrupt your life—call Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation, and let our team handle the legal process while you focus on rebuilding.
Source: nbc-2
