DeKalb County man arrested on charges of trespassing, arson
DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) — A DeKalb County man was arrested and has been charged with trespassing and arson charges.
On February 4, 2025, at 10:38 p.m., deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) were dispatched to 1535 County Road 54 for reports of a house fire.
Upon arrival, deputies were met with the Crossville Fire Department (CFD), who were battling a house fully engulfed in flames.
Toby Robert Joshua Townsend / DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office
According to DCSO, it was determined that an altercation between two residents of the home and a trespasser had occurred, leading to the house being intentionally set on fire.
DCSO’s Criminal Investigations Unit responded to the scene to further investigate.
After conducting interviews with the residents, the trespasser was identified as Toby Robert Joshua Townsend.
Authorities searched the immediate area and located a male subject hiding in a large field behind the residence.
A perimeter was set around the field and the DeKalb County Aviation Unit was called in to provide overwatch.
After the Aviation Unit’s arrival, authorities moved in and made contact with the male subject.
The male was later identified as Townsend, and he was taken into custody on outstanding warrants.
Townsend has been charged with the following:
- 3rd Degree Assault
- 1st Degree Criminal Trespass
- 2nd Degree Arson
He is currently being held at the DeKalb County Detention Center with no bond.
This is due to violations of the bond schedule for previous charges.
