Police and firefighters said a Gwinnett County man burned down his own home, killing four pets inside, and blamed a mysterious invader for the chaos.
Jonathan Clint Smith, 37, was arrested Thursday and charged with arson, theft by deception, theft by taking, animal cruelty and making a false report, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services spokesman Lt. Colin Rhoden said.
Smith allegedly reported a home invasion by an unknown individual sometime in January, claiming the man set fire to the house after Smith confronted him, Rhoden said.
The house, on Pease Rose Place near Loganville, was destroyed, authorities said.
More theft charges are likely pending against Smith for his role in the alleged burglary, Rhoden said.
He is being held in the Gwinnett County Adult Detention Center, according to jail records.
Fire investigators are asking that anyone with information contact the Gwinnett Fire Arson and Explosives Investigation section at 678-518-4890.
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