SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Cortney Dequan Speer, a 44-year old male from Sylacauga, has been apprehended by the Sylacauga Police Department on charges including Arson in the First Degree and Domestic Violence in the Third Degree.
According to authorities, on Saturday, March 30, a distressed woman flagged down an SPD officer in the area of N Norton Ave. and Curran St. She alleged that her boyfriend, Speer, had threatened her with a wrench.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Speer in possession of a full gas container which he threatened to ignite within the apartment.
Despite officers’ attempts to negotiate, Speer ignited a fire in the bedroom before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the Sylacauga Fire Department promptly responded, extinguishing the blaze with no reported injuries.
Speer faces misdemeanor charges of Domestic Violence in the Third Degree, Resisting Arrest, and Violation of Condition of Bond, alongside the more severe charge of Arson in the First Degree, classified as a Class A felony.
The City of Sylacauga’s Municipal Court set a property bond of $1,000 per misdemeanor charge, while the bond for Arson was established at $30,000 by the Talladega County Circuit Clerk’s office.
Authorities urge anyone with pertinent information to contact the SPD’s Investigations division at (256) 401-2464 or anonymously report to the SPD’s tip line at (256) 249-4716.
