FORT PAYNE, Ala. – On Tuesday, February 4th at approximately 10:38 pm Dekalb County Deputies were dispatched to 1535 County Road 54 in Geraldine where Geraldine Fire Department and Crossville Fire Department were currently fighting a fully engulfed house fire. Once on scene, Deputies determined that an altercation between two residents of the home and a trespasser had occurred immediately before the fire which was suspected to have led to the house being intentionally set on fire.
The Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit was then notified and responded to the scene. After interviewing the residents of the home, the trespasser was identified as Toby Robert Joshua Townsend (27 of Geraldine). A search of the immediate area then ensued and Investigators were able to locate a male subject hiding in a large field behind the residence several hundred yards away. Believing this subject to be Townsend, Investigators and Deputies set a perimeter around the field and called in the Dekalb County Aviation Unit in order to provide overwatch before moving in to make contact with him.
| Toby Robert Joshua Townsend (27 of Geraldine) |
Once Aviation Unit resources were in place, Investigators and Deputies moved through the field, made contact with the male subject and detained him without incident. The subject was identified as Townsend and was arrested on scene for outstanding warrants.
After further investigation, Townsend was charged with Assault 3rd, Criminal Trespass 1st, and Arson 2nd. Townsend is currently being held without bond in the Dekalb County Detention Center due to violation of the bond schedule for previous charges.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: “I would like to thank Geraldine and Crossville Fire Department for keeping the fire contained and keeping everyone safe. Thank you to DeKalb County Deputies, Investigators and Aviation Unit for finding the individual responsible for this unnecessary act of evil as quickly as you did.”
“It takes everyone working together as one to get the job done fast and efficient and you all proved that to be true Tuesday night.”
“God Bless!” Concluded Sheriff Welden.
