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Lavonta Williams, 45, of Springfield, was out on bail from an arrest in August 2022 on guns and drug charges and an outstanding warrant for driving while high in Palmer, Springfield police said.
Emergency dispatchers sent firefighters to a home on Collins Street just after 9 a.m. Thursday after they received calls about a structure fire. Fire crews were able to put out the blaze.
A K9 team with the state Fire Marshal's office alerted investigators that an accelerant was used to start the blaze, police said.
Police traced it back to Williams, who was wearing his court-ordered ankle monitor when officers arrived, officials said.
Williams is charged with:
- Arson of a dwelling
- Attempted murder
- Threat to commit a crime
Police did not speculate on Williams' alleged motivation or why he may have targeted that houses. Firefighters did not say how much damage the fire caused to the home.
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