BENTONVILLE -- A Centerton man was being held Thursday on $150,000 bond in the Benton County Jail after his arrest in connection with setting his home on fire.
James Michael Evans, 38, was arrested in connection with arson and misdemeanor assault.
Evans' arraignment is scheduled for March 2 in Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green's courtroom.
Centerton Police Chief Cody Harper said a fire call was received about 6:04 p.m. Sunday in the 900 block of Sienna Drive.
Fire Chief Matt Thompson said the fire was contained to the garage and the attic area above it, and the living area of the home had smoke damage. There were no injuries, Thompson said.
Police officers were told a man who lived at the home started the fire, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Evans' father told police he went to his son's home to help him move. His father said he didn't see his son set the fire, but saw him standing next to a burning cloth in the garage where the fire started, according to the affidavit.
Police obtained video from a neighbor they say shows Evans walk into the garage and a short time later the reflection from the fire is visible.
Evans' father said he thought Evans went inside the burning house and he went inside to find him, but his son wasn't in the house, according to the affidavit.
Evans left the scene and was arrested in Sebastian County, according to the affidavit. He told police he didn't remember starting the fire. He later confessed, but said he didn't intend to harm anyone, according to the affidavit.
Evans said he didn't plan to burn the house and wanted to apologize to the landlord and everyone involved with the fire.
NW News on 01/24/2020