Share and Follow
A Florida man is in custody after allegedly setting fire to his home and later returning to the scene to start another fire, culminating in the fatal stabbing of a man who attempted to intervene, law enforcement officials reported.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 37-year-old William Michael Larsen on Tuesday following an extensive manhunt in the Floral City region.
“We utilized every available resource,” said Sheriff David Vincent, emphasizing the comprehensive response from his team.
Authorities were initially dispatched to a residential fire on a quiet street in Floral City shortly after midnight on Tuesday. When they arrived, Larsen, the homeowner, was not present at the scene. He was later located and questioned about the incident, according to officials.
William Michael Larsen, 37, was arrested Tuesday after an hourslong manhunt in the Floral City area, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said. (Citrus County Sheriff’s Office)
Hours later at 6:13 a.m., deputies received a second call reporting that Larsen had returned to the same street and ignited a nearby shed, the sheriff’s office said.
Witnesses reported that another man at the home tried to put out the fire, but Larsen stabbed the man and fled in a white GMC pickup truck.
Larsen allegedly burned down his own home in Floral City, Florida, before setting off on a violent rampage. (FOX13 Tampa WTVT)
Investigators said Larsen’s mother owned the home that was initially set on fire, along with the neighboring property where the shed was ignited, FOX13 Tampa reported.
The stabbing victim died at the scene, according to authorities. His identity has not been made public, though family members told the station that he was the long-term boyfriend of Larsen’s mother.
Larsen allegedly returned to the scene of the initial fire and set a shed ablaze on a neighboring property before stabbing a man who tried to extinguish the flames. (FOX13 Tampa WTVT)
As investigators searched for Larsen, the sheriff’s office said they found his pickup truck abandoned in a wooded area in Inverness, about a 10-minute drive north of Floral City.
Shortly after the discovery, the sheriff’s office received reports that a man matching Larsen’s description was seen walking in the same neighborhood where the fires and stabbing happened.
Deputies responded and took Larsen into custody without issue.
Larsen is facing multiple felony charges, including arson and first-degree premeditated murder. He may face additional charges as the investigation continues.
Investigators are still working to determine a motive.
<!–>
–>