Deputies make arrest in bizarre arson case

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested William Combs, 45, in connection with an arson case on Dec. 24.

Comb's ex-girlfriend arrived at her father's home  in the 8300 block of Morgan Drive, and saw smoke coming from the carport. As she ran to the house to help her father escape the fire, she heard a loud noise and realized a motor vehicle was racing toward the house. The vehicle crashed about 10 feet inside the house.

Combs was able to get out of the vehicle, but was unresponsive when emergency crews arrived.

After a join investigation by the Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshal's Office, Combs was arrested Friday, Jan. 6, upon his release from the Bayfront Medical Center.

Combs has been charged with two counts of Crimes Against Persons for Committing Specific Felony Acts that Cause Death, and is being held without bond. 

Additional charges include of one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, two counts of Arson and two counts of 2nd Degree Arson carry a combined $180,000 bond.

Contact Eddie Kirsch at [email protected].