A Golden Gate Estates man faces a charge of first degree arson after investigators say he set several fires in his own home in the 4300 block of 18th Avenue Northeast.
Chad Soules, 46, is being held without bond in connection to the fires. First responders from North Collier Fire-Rescue responded to a 911 call from the home Wednesday afternoon, after an unidentified caller reported that Soules had taken an overdose of medication.
"Do you know what he took?" the 911 operator asked.
"He wouldn't tell me," the caller responded. "He just said it was a couple of things."
Rescue personnel called the State Fire Marshal's office after finding evidence of fire damage inside the home.
According to the Fire Marshal's report, investigators found a pile of burned clothing in front of a washer and dryer, with "a yellow Bernzomatic torch canister lying in the middle of the burn pile." The canister didn't appear to have been used, however. A second pile of burned clothes and bedding was found on top of the dryer.
Investigators found damage from a third fire in the attic, where "combustible items of clothing, bedding and cardboard were set on fire," and that another torch canister was lying in the fire debris.
The fire marshal also found heavy fire damage in a closet, along with melted red plastic, likely from a gas can.
Investigators concluded that "all accidental causes were eliminated" before having Soules arrested and charged with first degree arson.
Soules had previously been arrested in November 2014 on charges of aggravated assault, after allegedly shooting at a man down the street from his home.
His next court appearance is set for January 4th.
