Northwest Florida Homeowner Arrested for Arson after State Fire Marshal Accelerant Detection K-9 “Bailey” Successfully Tracks Accelerants

MILTON, Fla. – September 10, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Florida Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM), which operates under the direction of Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and the Department of Financial Services, today announced the arrest of Delmar Dice, 50, for allegedly attempting to burn down his own home and causing nearly $200,000 in damage.

Last Friday, September 4th, the Skyline Fire Department and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the SFM at a fire that occurred on Happy Hollow Drive in Milton, Florida. Upon arrival, the home was entirely engulfed in flames while the owner, Delmar Dice, was on scene and looked upon his scorched home in despair.

After the flames subsided, the SFM’s local accelerant detection K-9 Bailey went to work by attempting to identify and locate any accelerants that may have been used in the fire. During her analysis of the scorched structure, Bailey was able to pin point the use of accelerants in the garage of the home. Detectives were then able to verify that the fire had initially started in the garage and that some type of accelerant had been used.

K-9 Bailey, continuing her on scene inspection, detected an accelerant on the shoes of homeowner Delmar Dice, who was still present at the scene of the fire. At this stage of the investigation, Mr. Dice was suspected of setting his own home on fire using accelerants to help sustain the life of the fire and was arrested for Arson. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Delmar Dice faces a single count of felony Arson for his alleged involvement in the destruction of his home. He was transported to the Santa Rosa County Jail where he is being held on $100,000 bond. This case will be prosecuted by the 1st Judicial Circuit State Attorney William Eddins and if convicted, Delmar Dice could face up to 20 years in prison.

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Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government, reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses, and providing transparency and accountability in spending. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).

Contact: Ashley Carr
(850) 413-2842