By admin 
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) — A 20-year-old Florida man has been arrested on an arson charge after investigators say he set his grandfather’s home on fire.
Read more DoorDash driver still completes her delivery after being hit by a car that was running from police
Officials said the fire destroyed a house the family had owned for more than 50 years.
Joseph Jomall Antonio Hester, 20, who goes by “Jamal,” was taken into custody Friday following a search involving multiple agencies that included Ocala police, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the 20-year-old was found at a home in Dunnellon. When officers arrived, he ran into the woods to hide, but surrendered after being confronted by a K-9.
Hester faces an arson charge, along with burglary and criminal mischief charges related to prior incidents involving the same property.
Investigators said the fire destroyed Hester’s grandfather’s home on July 3.
Homeowner Joseph Hester said that day he believed his grandson was responsible after he told him that he could no longer stay at the house.
“This is my home,” Joseph Hester said. “I’m just down, just hurt … he took my whole life, everything I own.”
Read more Man hospitalized after argument leads to shooting in Tempe; 2 arrested
Joseph Hester said his family had owned the home for more than five decades and that his mother built the house in 1969.
But despite the circumstances, Joseph Hester, who is also having to search for a place to live following the fire, said he still has love for his grandson.
“I don’t want to see my [grandson] in jail, but when you’re wrong, you should deal with the punishment,” Joseph Hester said.
Surveillance video from a neighboring home showed a person who appeared to be Jamal Hester running away from the home moments before neighbors called 911.
Neighbors said they were shocked to see the home burning, describing the area as a quiet place where people look out for each other.
“We just moved in,” neighbor Gladis Parker said. “Everyone is nice; you can walk down the street, and it feels safe. It’s really sad to know that a family member could do that.”
Read more Las Vegas businesswoman sentenced to prison in COVID tax credit fraud case
Joseph Jomall Antonio Hester is scheduled for a court appearance on Aug. 11.