Brandon police reported that on Monday morning (Nov 20) at around 3:20 am, they received a report from an employee that someone had broken into a building at 114 – 12th Street through the front door. Police say at the time of the call, the employee stated that the fire alarm was sounding, and that they could smell smoke from one of the offices in which they were hiding.
Police entered the building as it was filling up with smoke and located a 33-year-old male who had allegedly broke in by smashing the front glass door and starting a fire.
The employee and five apartments within the same building with more than 10 occupants were evacuated by police. Shortly after, the building became fully engulfed with flames. The business is believed to be a complete loss.
The suspect was to appear in court today (Nov 20) on charges of Break and Enter, and Disregard for Human Life.
