Man Suspected in Gwinnett Arson Case Captured

LAWRENCEVILLE - A 45 year-old Gwinnett County man suspected of arson was apprehended Sunday. Authorities say Roberto Fernandez allegedly took his 6 year-old daughter to a home on Daisy Court in Lawrenceville on Christmas Eve, set the house on fire and then fled the building alone. Witnesses told authorities they saw the suspect run from the home on Daisy Court carrying a gas can.

The home was in foreclosure and no one was living in it. The girl apparently escaped to a neighbor's house. She was treated for smoke inhalation.

Roberto was discovered on the back porch of a home on Flagg Way Sunday; in the same general area where the fire occurred. The resident called Gwinnett police to alert them to Roberto's whereabouts. Roberto told police that he hid out in the woods until he was found this morning. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and will be formerly charged upon his release.

The charges include first-degree arson, cruelty to children, and aggravated assault. Each charge is a felony with a maximum of 20 years behind bars.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/12/234804