Man Accused Of Attempted Murder, Arson Following House Fire

TAMPA, FL — A 55-year-old man has been charged with attempted felony murder and arson in connection with the July 9 fire of an elderly woman's home.

The fire occurred shortly after 4 a.m. July 9 in the 6200 block of South Church Avenue. An elderly woman was able to escape with only a second-degree burn to her foot.

An investigator from the fire marshal's office began investigating the fire as a possible arson. In the meantime, on July 18, John Alan Petrey was arrested and charged in connection with the July 3 theft of rings stolen from the elderly woman after he pawned the jewelry. He was charged with theft, dealing in stolen property and providing false information on a pawnbroker form.

Detectives and the fire marshal ultimately found evidence that Petrey went back to the house on South Church Avenue, poured gasoline in the hallway and lit it while the woman was asleep.

The fire grew quickly in the hallway outside her bedroom, making it difficult for the woman to escape. She threw bedding on the fire to dampen the flames and managed to escape.

Petrey admitted to investigators that he set the fire and was charged on Monday.

Related story: Investigators Suspect Arson In South Tampa House Fire