Suspected arsonist arrested

A Poplar Bluff man could face charges of second degree arson and burglary following a Dec. 27 fire at 128 W. McKinley St.

Jonathan Kendall Crumbley, 22, was arrested Wednesday after being interviewed and confessing to a Missouri State fire marshal, said Poplar Bluff Fire Chief Mike Moffitt.

According to the Butler County jail, Crumbley was placed on a 24-hour hold. Crumbley’s address is listed as homeless.

The fire marshal’s report was sent to the prosecuting attorney requesting charges of second degree arson and burglary, Moffitt said.

Poplar Bluff police and the Missouri State fire marshal have been actively pursuing Crumbley who reportedly admitted to setting a fire at the scene.

Firefighters from the three stations responded at 4:24 a.m. to the structure fire, where a crowd of about 20 onlookers gathered.

Moffitt explained they found where burn patterns on the couch and the carpet. The occupant reported the Crumbley had made threats about burning the house and had stated to other witnesses he had set the house on fire.

Due to the structure being unsecured and reports from witnesses about a man admitting to setting the fire, Battalion Chief Jeff Hale had requested an investigator from the Missouri State fire marshal.