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Cape man charged with arson following bathroom fire

By Staff | Jan 7, 2011

A Cape Coral man remained in jail Friday after he reportedly started a fire in a bathroom at his home.
George Edward Neal, 24, of 1137 S.E. 35th Terrace, is being held on no bond at the Lee County Jail on one count of first-degree arson. According to Cape police, Neal set toilet paper on fire in the bathroom, causing $500 in damage.
He told police that he started the fire to kill himself, a report states.
Neal’s mother, who also lives in the home, started smelling smoke coming from the bathroom at about 10 a.m. Thursday and called 911. Upon arrival, fire units found that the fire was started in a waste basket, but was out.
Fire investigators determined that the fire was started with a lighter.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded and assumed the investigation, according to officials. Based on the evidence, they charged Neal with arson.
Neal was scheduled to be in court Friday.