Man Charged With Arson for Burning Girlfriend’s House

The State Fire Marshal's office has charged a man with arson for allegedly setting his ex-girlfriend's home on fire. He was arrested about a half mile from the scene.

Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland said police caught up with Curtis Crawford, age 45, last night waiting for a taxi to pick him up at a local convenience store. Investigators say he had been dropped off earlier in the evening by a taxi and that he was carrying a can of gas.

The fire at his ex-girlfriend's home in Windham caused about $20,000 in damage. No one was home and no injuries were reported. Investigators say gasoline was poured along the front of the house at 199 Pope Road and lit ablaze.

Crawford had most recently been living at a Westbrook motel. He's being held without bail at the Cumberland County Jail.