Man charged with first-degree arson after setting Lakeland food pantry on fire: PCFR

LAKELAND, Fla. - A man was arrested and charged with first-degree arson after authorities said he set a Lakeland food pantry on fire Wednesday night just days before Thanksgiving.

Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a commercial structure fire at 2940 Combee Rd. S. in Lakeland late Wednesday at 9:47 p.m.

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On the scene, Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies alerted PCFR units that they witnessed a possible suspect igniting the fire on video surveillance.

In the video, a man with a bicycle can be seen lighting a stack of pallet crates on fire and then riding away. 

Gordon Nelson, 60, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson in connection with the fire. 

According to the arrest affidavit, Nelson denied starting the fire and said he was only an observer. However, an orange lighter was found in his left pocket.

The Founder of New Testament Ministries that runs the bank, Dais Abraham, said he recognized Nelson.

"He has come here and taken dog food and cat food," said Abraham, who doesn't understand why this crime occurred because he said he doesn't have any enemies. 

The food pantry was stacked with enough food to feed between 1,500 to 2,000 families this Thanksgiving. 

Abraham said the community shouldn't suffer because of one person's bad deeds. He's going to collect more food and will have a drive-thru giveaway before Thanksgiving. He's just looking for volunteers.

"It's not about giving the people the food, it's knowing the people's situation and the need," said Abraham. "The vast majority are good taxpayers and they're struggling so hard. They have a personal relationship with us. They are part of our family."

Abraham may take up a temporary location elsewhere, so he can continue serving the community.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating and there's believed to be $150,000 in damages.