Suspect charged, accused of lighting truck, Homestead man on fire

Man severely burned after deputies say 28-year-old set truck on fire

MARATHON, Fla. – Deputies say they have charged a man accused of setting a truck on fire in Marathon, causing another man to be severely burned.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, 52-year-old Jose Gonzales of Homestead suffered second and third degree burns over 61 percent of his body when his work truck was set on fire.

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The truck was parked near the Dog House bar on 107th Street in Marathon when the fire occurred at 3:45 a.m. Friday.

Investigations at the scene and interviews with witnesses led detectives to believe 28-year-old Stuart James Collins allegedly set the truck on fire.

Detectives said the truck that was burned belonged to Florida Paving and Trucking Incorporated out of Homestead.

Friday evening, deputies said Collins has been further charged with attempted second degree murder. Other charges against him include arson with great bodily injury and arson with property damage.

--Photos courtesy of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office