for immediate release
September 24, 2004

N E W S   R E L E A S E

A Crestview man has been arrested on Attempted Murder, Arson, and other charges after a domestic disturbance at his residence this morning (Friday morning).

Willie Lee Thomas, age 24 (8-2-1980) was taken into custody moments after flames erupted at his 125 East Walker Circle residence, a few minutes after 8:00 this morning. The house is considered a total loss from the fire.

Thomas is accused of pouring lighter fluid over a bed, and starting the fire with his wife and two month old infant son in the residence. Both escaped safely.

Thomas was arrested at the scene. He was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail in Crestview on charges of Attempted Felony Murder, Arson to a Dwelling, Aggravated Battery, and Child Abuse.

Deputies were summoned to the scene by Thomas's wife, who grabbed the baby and ran to a neighbor's house. She reported she had been struck on the head with an oil painting, and shards of broken glass had fallen onto the infant's face after Thomas struck a mirror.

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for more information contact Sgt. Rick Hord, Public Information Officer

(850) 651-7420

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