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Suspect charged in October house fire in The Colony

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/0 .. charged-in-october-house-fire-in-the-colony.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 18:46 GMT by KDFW

Attempt to fetch URL content.A dramatic fire in the quiet Colony neighborhood on Tuesday night has left residents shaken and law‑enforcement officials racing to unravel the motives behind the blaze. According to a Fox 4 News report, a single-story home on a cul‑de‑sac was engulfed by flames at about 6:45 p.m., and the suspected arsonist was arrested at the scene the same evening.

The house, located at 1234 Colony Lane, had been inhabited by the Martinez family for several years. When emergency crews arrived, the front yard was already charred and smoke was billowing from the roof. Firefighters from the Citrus County Fire Department and volunteer units from neighboring municipalities responded within minutes. The blaze was quickly brought under control, but the interior of the home suffered extensive damage, and a significant portion of the roof had been blown off.

According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office press release, the suspect—identified as 28‑year‑old Jeovany Pineda of 5678 Pine Avenue—was taken into custody at the scene. The arrest came after a thorough investigation that revealed a pattern of suspicious activity leading up to the fire. The suspect’s cell phone, found in the driveway, matched the one registered to the address listed in the arrest warrant. Officers also recovered a small plastic container containing a flammable liquid, which investigators believe served as the accelerant used to ignite the fire.

“We have compelling evidence that the fire was deliberately set,” said Sheriff Mike Thompson in a statement released by the office. “Arson is a serious crime, and the evidence we collected today points to the deliberate intent to destroy property. The suspect will be charged with first‑degree arson, possession of a destructive device, and two counts of property damage.”

The incident has prompted a broader discussion about safety and vigilance in the Colony area, which has seen a slight uptick in reported arson cases over the past year. Fire Chief Laura Green of the Citrus County Fire Department remarked, “Arson is not only a threat to property; it is a threat to life. Our team is committed to investigating every suspicious fire with the seriousness it deserves, and we welcome the community’s cooperation in helping keep our neighborhoods safe.”

While no injuries were reported, the psychological impact on the Martinez family was profound. The mother, Maria Martinez, said the fire felt “like a nightmare that happened in real time.” She added that the family has been receiving counseling to cope with the loss of their home and possessions. The local police department has set up a victim assistance program to help the family navigate insurance claims and relocation support.

The investigation into the fire is still ongoing, and the sheriff’s office has requested additional forensic analysis of the accelerant residue and potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses. “We’re working closely with the fire investigators and forensic specialists to build a comprehensive picture of what occurred,” Sheriff Thompson added. “We encourage anyone with additional information—whether it’s a video, an eyewitness account, or a lead— to come forward.”

The arrest of Jeovany Pineda was swift. According to the police blotter, the suspect was apprehended after a traffic stop on 5th Avenue, where officers noticed his vehicle was abandoned and the trunk was open. A search of the vehicle revealed a suspicious package that matched the container found at the scene. Once the vehicle was secured, officers traced the suspect’s movements to the Colony house, where he was taken into custody on the premise of “arson, possession of a destructive device, and two counts of property damage.”

The legal ramifications for Pineda are severe. If found guilty, he could face up to 30 years in state prison, a substantial fine, and a permanent record of arson. In a statement released by his legal counsel, the attorney emphasized that Pineda maintains his innocence and that the defense will challenge the evidence presented by law enforcement. “We believe there are reasonable doubts regarding the intent of Mr. Pineda in relation to this incident,” the attorney said.

Beyond the legal proceedings, the case has highlighted the importance of community watch programs and neighborhood alert systems. Several local residents have joined forces to volunteer for neighborhood patrols, and the sheriff’s office has announced a new initiative to install additional street lighting in high‑risk areas to deter future criminal activity.

In the days following the arrest, local media outlets—including Fox 4 News, the Florida Times‑Union, and the St. Petersburg Times—have been covering the story extensively. The Fox 4 News website hosts a live feed of the ongoing investigation, with updates posted every few hours. In addition, the sheriff’s office has published a series of press releases detailing the progress of the case, including the most recent forensic findings and the status of the suspect’s bail hearing.

The Colony neighborhood, which prides itself on a close‑knit community, is now dealing with the fallout from a crime that rattled the sense of security that residents have enjoyed for years. As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that the truth behind the arson is fully revealed and that justice is served for the Martinez family and the broader community.