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Palmetto Police Seek Suspect In Fire

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By Jason Odra of TBO.com

Published: February 20, 2008

PALMETTO - Police are searching for a man who broke into an apartment and set it on fire, according to the Palmetto Police Department.

Police say Bartolo Garcia, 27, was seen breaking a window of Apartment 104 at the Palmetto Trace Apartments, minutes before a fire activated the fire alarm about 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Bartolo dated the 38-year-old woman who lived in the apartment more than a year ago, police said. They are not currently dating. The woman, who was not identified, was not at home at the time of the fire.

The apartment received fire damage, as well as smoke and water damage. There were no injuries.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for Garcia on charges of arson to an occupied dwelling and burglary of a residence.

Police believe he is still in the Palmetto area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477.

The woman and her children have found temporary lodging and are being assisted by the Palmetto Police Department victim's advocate and the American Red Cross.

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