CAPE CORAL, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis today announced the arrest of Robert Earl Harlow of Cape Coral on charges of arson and attempted second degree murder after allegedly setting fire to his longtime friend’s mobile home while it was occupied.

 

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “My arson detectives work diligently to catch those who commit dangerous and potentially deadly crimes. I am proud of my dedicated team’s top-notch investigative efforts which help keep dangerous criminals off the streets. Thankfully, only property was lost in this instance, but the outcome could have been much worse.”

 

CFO Patronis’ arson detectives found that Harlow and his friend, the resident of the mobile home, were arguing over the ownership of a vehicle prior to the fire. Harlow was later seen by witnesses entering the property carrying a gas container, then abruptly leaving the residence. Both residents were safely rescued from the fire; however, the fire damage caused a total loss to the property.

 

Harlow was arrested on March 22 and booked into the Lee County Jail. He was charged with first degree arson to an occupied dwelling and two counts of attempted second degree murder. If convicted on all charges, he faces life in prison.