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Last updated on Monday, October 8, 2012
(MITCHELL) - 32-year-old Cody Brooks, of Orleans was arrested at 6:34 p.m. Saturday night and charged in connection of the fire that destroyed a duplex on Dale Street in Mitchell Thursday night.
Bedford police officers served a warrant on Brooks at the Mark III Motel.
Brooks has been charged with two counts of arson and one count of criminal recklessness.
Fire officials are not releasing many details about the blaze in the 100 block of Dale Street and the probable cause affidavit was not available today because the courthouse is closed for Columbus Day.
Mitchell Assistant Chief Fred Cassidy says the entire duplex was lost in the blaze destroying apartments at both 115 and 121 Dale St owned by John Gass, of Mitchell.
The communities of Mitchell and Bedford have rallied to help the families who were left homeless after the blaze. They are gathering items the families need.
According to friends and family, Brooks went to the apartment of Shiela Pridemoore Reynolds, who lives at 115 Dale Street.
Pridemoore Reynolds was not home, but Devin Reynolds, who is disabled, was at her apartment.
According to those who know Brooks, he was upset Reynolds was there. There was a heated argument and Brooks allegedly went back to his truck and got a gas can and ignited it and threw it through Pridemoore's front window, causing the blaze that destroyed Pridemoore's apartment and that of Danielle and Donny Malin who live at 121 Dale Street.
Danielle was home with her two small children Karma and Ares, but they were able to escape unharmed.
Reynolds also escaped, but that is when Brooks allegedly hit Reynolds with his truck.
Reynolds was taken to the hospital and was later released after suffering contusions and abrasions.
Items the families still need:
Dani and Donnie Malin
3-6 month boys clothes
3t-4t girls clothes. size 7-8 shoes
women's medium to large shirts, size 15 pants
Size 7 1/2 women's shoes
Men's 3XL shirts, size 42/36 pants, size 14-15 shoes
Infant diapers and size 4 diapers and baby formula
Sheila Pridemore Reynolds needs:
18 month boys clothes, size 4 diapers
teen girl 5/6 pants, small shirt and size 6 shoes
Boys 14 pants, size small shirt, size 8 Shoes
Women 7/8 pants, medium shirts , size 8 shoes
You can drop off items for the Malin family at Lisa Dalton's home at 321 Lincoln Avenue in Bedford. Items for Sheila Pridemore Rynolds can be dropped off at 1206 West Main Street in Mitchell.
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