A house was torched hours after a domestic dispute over the weekend in Toccoa. Now, authorities say the man responsible for that fire is in custody.
Shane William Ruiz, 22, is charged with arson in the September 6 blaze that destroyed the house at 1356 Skyline Drive. The fire broke out early Sunday, just hours after Ruiz and a 26-year-old woman got involved in a dispute. He stayed at the house on Skyline Drive while she stayed with family, the State Fire Marshal’s Office says.
When authorities were contacted around 4 a.m Sunday, the residence was fully involved in flames. Authorities arrested Ruiz following a joint state and local law enforcement investigation.
“The investigation into this domestic dispute and incendiary fire has been a prime example of state and local law enforcement partnering together,” said State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King.
State Fire investigators worked on the case with Toccoa Police, the Toccoa Fire Department, Carnes Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.
Ruiz was booked into the Stephens County Jail where Tuesday afternoon he was still awaiting a bond hearing.
