Incarcerated man could be connected to St. Augustine arsons

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Flames and smoke billowed from four historic homes just blocks from each other in the heart of St. Augustine on June 23, 2014.

It’s a day city Fire Marshal Bob Growick still thinks about.

“It really created a day of chaos in the sense of our fire department and St. Johns County, we were maxed out,” said Growick.

It’s been 25 months since the string of arsons and still no arrests. But since a task force was created in the aftermath, Action News Jax has learned investigators were led to a potential suspect in Central Florida.

“It was identical to our fires -- they're historic districts -- the timing and how the fires were started, so the state fire marshal and ATF also got involved,” said Growick.

An official with the State Fire Marshal’s Office said 42-year-old Steven Wayne Angle was arrested in Volusia County just two months after the St. Augustine arsons.

Angle is suspected of starting more than 20 fires in Central Florida.

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“Do you think that's your guy?” asked Action News Jax reporter Lorena Inclan.

“I truly believe it is because of the similarities to it. It's too much of a coincidence to say that it isn't,” said Growick.

The Department of Corrections website shows Angle is currently incarcerated for unrelated crimes with a release date of March 2029.

The homes that were targeted were more than 100 years old. Two have been rebuilt but others that suffered more severe damage remain boarded up, and an empty lot still sits on Park Place in Lincolnville where a historic home once stood.

Growick said despite the length of time that has passed, the case is still open.

“A lot of people think that because it's been two years you don't remember things. But if you remember something, the simplest things could create a situation where it could help us out,” said Growick.

Growick said the task force has not been able to nail down a motive yet.

Angle is not currently facing any charges connected to the St. Augustine arsons.

Cox Media Group