Man Accused of Firing Shots at Home

Pinellas County Sheriff's detectives are investigating an unusual chain of events involving a man suspected of firing shots into his home in the Robinwood subdivision, which then caught fire early Wednesday morning.

Deputies initially responded to the area of , then turned their attention to the neighborhood just west of there.

Several neighbors reported multiple shots being fired in the area around 4 a.m., said Cecilia Barreda, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office.

Desmond Thumbtzen, 24, was seen coming out of the garage of his home at 2796 Robinwood Drive in Clearwater, investigators said. Thumbtzen then entered and exited the home a couple times before a fire began, which soon fully engulfed the home.

Thumbtzen set multiple fires while deputies had responded to the call, according to the investigation. Rifles, shotguns and handgun casings were found scattered around the home inside and out, deputies said.

A large green parrot was found dead in the home. Two dogs and a cat were found in the home unharmed, according to investigators.

At one point, when Thumbtzen exited the home unarmed, deputies used a stun gun to subdue him. They then took him into custody. Thumbtzen was arrested and charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, animal cruelty, arson and violation or probation.

Clearwater Fire and Rescue put out the fire. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Arson and Auto Theft Unit is investigating the blaze.

The home is owned by Evelyn and Ocain Thumbtzen, according to Pinellas County Property Appraiser records. The just value of the home is $121,159.

*updated 10:21 a.m. Dec. 28.