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Bluffs man arrested on arson charge

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April 22nd, 2015 by Ric Hanson

A Council Bluffs man faces arson charges after an alleged attempt to burn down his former residence. The Daily NonPareil reports Council Bluffs Police Department records show 56-year old Donnie E. Snipes was arrested at around 3:15-p.m., Friday, on a warrant for first-degree arson. He’s also charged with fourth-degree theft and making threats. Snipes remains at the Pottawattamie County Jail on $25,000 bond.

Officials said on April 12th, Snipes returned to an apartment he had been evicted from in 800 block of Sixth Avenue to retrieve personal belongings. Snipes then allegedly turned the thermostat to a high temperature and turned on the burners on the stove with paper across the top. Investigators say Snipes also allegedly threatened to burn the place down.

The landlord found the burners, thermostat setting and that water in the tub was left running when he returned to the building, but the dwelling did not catch fire. The residence was one of several occupied apartments in a converted house. A Fire Marshal’s Office investigation led to the warrant on first-degree arson charges. The first-degree classification comes because other residents lived in the house and could’ve been in danger.