Gwinnett Man Arrested For Arson

LILBURN, GA — A Lilburn man has been arrested on charges that he set fire in August to the home where he and his family formerly lived.

Gary Mele, 24, faces 13 felony counts, including first degree arson, first degree burglary and 11 counts of obstruction of firefighters.

He is currently being held at the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond.

Firefighters responded to the blaze on August 22 in the 4100 block of Nichols Court SW in unincorporated Lilburn.

A neighbor had reported the fire to 911 after seeing smoke pouring out of what was then a vacant two-story house.

Investigators say they found evidence of more than one intentionally set fire inside the home, as well as barriers that hampered initial firefighting efforts.

"Mele’s actions placed fire crews in increased danger as they made entry to conduct a primary search and battle the blaze," said Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

Fire officials did not release details about how the fires were set or what the obstacles were that firefighters encountered.

Mele and his family had lost the home due to a writ of possession that took place around August 10.

The home is owned by a mortgage company and Mele was not legally authorized to be on the property on the date of the fire, fire officials said.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services