On Thursday, June 27, 2013, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a structure fire at 149 NE Campus Place. The unoccupied residence suffered interior damage from the fire after being extinguished by the Columbia County Fire Department.
Witnesses at the scene advised deputies that a suspicious person was seen near the house prior to the fire being discovered. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to assist in the investigation. Investigators were able to identify the suspect as Alfred W. Hatcher and located him at his residence a short distance away. Investigators were able to determine that Hatcher started the fire with a lighter.
Hatcher was taken into custody by Sheriff’s deputies without incident at approximately 4:00 am on June 28, 2013. Hatcher was transported to the Columbia County Detention Facility without incident and booked on arson charges.
It is yet undetermined how much monetary damage was caused to the house.
Arrested:
Alfred William Hatcher, 8/25/1993
195 NE Campus Place, Lake City, FL
Charges: Arson
Bond: $25,000.00
