Four people are dead after a man intentionally set fire to his home Wednesday, according to Florida authorities. Three dogs that were in the home also died in the blaze in Plant City, about 25 miles east of Tampa, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Shawn Gossett, 25, was arrested and charged. Police said he “intentionally started” the fire “with the intent to burn the house.”
Danilo Alvarez / AP
A person inside the home called 911 to report smoke and that she and others were trapped with no way out, Hillsborough County Fire and Rescue said on social media. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes. Three victims were pulled out of a bedroom window but died at the scene. A fourth person also died, firefighters said.
The victims have not been publicly identified by authorities.
Gossett was arrested shortly before noon Wednesday, authorities told CBS affiliate WTSP. He allegedly started the fire by using a BIC lighter to set fire to paper towels, Police Chief Joseph Maurer said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Danilo Alvarez / AP
Gossett was not injured in the fire and authorities are trying to determine a motive, Maurer said. Gossett has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder while involved in arson, three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of arson, the sheriff’s office said.
“This was an absolutely senseless and horrific crime, in which four innocent lives were tragically taken by the malicious actions of this man,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the news release. “I want to commend our detectives and partners at the Hillsborough County Fire Department for their swift actions that resulted in the arrest of this individual and for their tireless efforts to ensure justice is served.”
