Bail was set at $1000 recognizance for a 56-year-old man facing charges for allegedly starting a structure fire in Manitowoc earlier this week.
Charles A. Cantrell is charged with Criminal Trespass to a Dwelling and Negligent Handling of burning materials.
Manitowoc Police Detectives were conducting surveillance at businesses in the 3300 block of Calumet Avenue Thursday morning when one of them observed a male subject (Cantrell) that was a person of interest in a possible case of arson at a residence in the 3300 block of Mero Street early morning.
They made contact with Cantrell based on tips received and he admitted to accidentally starting the fire in an effort to stay warm as he is homeless.
The blaze is believed to have started in a detached building of a vacant residence spreading to other occupied dwellings nearby causing significant damage.
No one was hurt.
Conditions of bail are that Cantrell have no contact with the victim, family members, or the residence itself.
His initial appearance is scheduled for November 18th at 10:30 a.m.
