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Tis the season for revenge fires, apparently, as three separate arson arrests were made during the month of January.
Most recent was the arrest of 21-year-old Andrew Whibdy, who was charged with first degree arson. Whidby is accused of burning down a home on Sportsman Club Drive following a dispute with another man over money, according to investigators.
The blaze was roughly 40 percent involved when Baldwin County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene, and the home ultimately was a complete loss.
Meanwhile, a mobile home at 356 Mt. Pleasant Church Road was left charred and burned out on Jan. 13, and all signs apparently pointed to Timothy Laster. A deputy quickly located Laster walking along the Gordon Highway, and he was detained, according to an incident report. Laster then was placed in the back of the patrol car and driven back to the scene, where he was interviewed by Investigator Bradley Towe with Baldwin County Fire Rescue.
Added the deputy's narrative: “Laster began pacing aggressively, and attempted to turn away from us. Sergeant Lopez and I repositioned ourselves as he did to prevent him from walking off. As Captain Towe began questioning, Laster became hostile shouting, 'fuck that house, and fuck that bitch.' While being interviewed Laster stated to me, 'take these cuffs off and I will beat your ass.'
Laster, 40, was charged with first degree arson, terroristic threats and probation violation.
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Finally, Pamela Denise Crutchfield, 36, was arrested on Jan. 3 and charged with first degree arson, second degree criminal damage to property and false statements.
Crutchfield is accused of starting a gasoline fire at a house off of Allen Memorial Drive where she previously lived. The home on Shana Drive was a complete loss. Crutchfield was in the process of going through a divorce, according to investigators.
