Crime & Safety

Arrest Made In Sunday Arson Attempt

Pasco deputies say a homeless man tried to light fire to a bench outside a Land O' Lakes business.

Donald Leo Hayward, 50, remained behind bars today following a June 20 arrest in connection with an arson fire outside Mel’s Barber Shop in Land O’ Lakes on Sunday.

According to a Pasco County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Hayward is accused of trying to light a wooden bench on fire Sunday evening. A witness saw the attempt at 2454 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. and approached the suspect. The man then ran off westbound on Carson Drive. The witness put out the flames and notified authorities.

Deputies say the fire was started when two plastic bags were placed on the bench and ignited. The flames were extinguished before “major damage was caused,” a Pasco County complaint affidavit said.

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The suspect was found in a “burnt area of woods” near the shop. The suspect was positively identified by the witness, the affidavit said.

Three other fires have been set in the area in the past few weeks, the affidavit said. It is unclear at this time whether they are connected with the barbershop incident.

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Hayward was charged with one count of arson and is being held at the Land O’ Lakes Jail on $10,000 bond. He has no known address. Hayward has been arrested multiple times in Pasco County on charges including criminal mischief and trespassing.


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