Sarasota Man Arrested For Arson After Early Morning Fire

SARASOTA, FL - A Sarasota man has been arrested and charged with arson following a fire about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Mandeville Beer Garden, police said. The man was identified as 39-year-old Joe Thompson.

Officers were on patrol when they observed thick black smoke coming from the rear of the beer garden at 428 North Lemon Ave. When officers pulled into the parking lot, they observed large flames. Police spotted Thompson sitting in a chair facing the fire.

Sarasota County firefighters responded and put out the fire. The State Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire was started by a lighter and no suspected accelerant was used.

The fire damaged a phone injunction box and the wires connecting to it. Thompson was transported to the Sarasota County Jail.

The beer garden said on its Facebook page that it will be open for business tonight.

Image via Shutterstock