LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A man is accused of purposely setting fires in a wooded area near a home as fire crews were actively working to put it out.
Lee County deputies have arrested 31-year-old Steven Maxey.
Deputies say that while several fire crews were working a fire near Teakwood Street and Stratton Road just after midnight early Sunday morning, a firefighter spotted Maxey setting more fires in the woods.
Deputies chased Maxey as he exited the woods at Tracy Street and shot him with a Taser, but he ripped the prongs out and continued running. The deputy managed to tackle the suspect, who continued to struggle and resist arrest.
Deputies were able to subdue Maxey and place him in handcuffs. A lighter was found in his hands and taken into evidence.
Fire crews estimate about one acre was burned in the fire, and flames were about 50 feet away from a home.
Maxey was arrested on charges of resisting an officer and malicious land burning.
