Gainesville, FL – Authorities in Alachua County arrested a man Thursday evening after two separate fires were reported at homeless encampments along West Newberry Road, prompting a multi-agency response and an arson investigation.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and crews from Alachua County Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue were first called Thursday afternoon to a structure fire at a homeless encampment in the 7700 block of West Newberry Road. Witnesses told deputies they saw two individuals running from the scene and provided descriptions to law enforcement.
Investigators identified 33-year-old Justin Croft as a suspect in the first fire. Deputies canvassed the area but were initially unable to locate him or the second individual.
Later that evening, around 7:00 p.m., deputies responded to a second fire at another homeless encampment in the wooded area behind a Publix near the 8000 block of West Newberry Road, not far from the first incident. Witnesses told deputies Croft was allegedly responsible for the earlier fire and had also set the second blaze.
According to deputies, witnesses also reported Croft had previously threatened to “burn her place down” following a verbal argument related to the first incident. Deputies continued searching the surrounding area for Croft as the investigation unfolded.
Shortly before 8:30 p.m., deputies observed three individuals exiting the woods near Moe’s Southwest Grill along West Newberry Road. The individuals were detained for questioning, and one was confirmed to be Croft. The other two were released at the scene.
Croft was taken into custody and charged with two counts of arson in the first degree, according to the sheriff’s office. The investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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