By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
Top Photo: EAN photo of scene on Pecan Circle after suspected arson led to damage and the death of three family pets. (Sarah Stephens/EAN)
Saturday night Millbrook Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to Pecan Circle off Linda Ann Drive in reference to a possible house fire. The Millbrook Police Department also responded and learned that a man was seen fleeing from the home on a bicycle.
Firefighters immediately attacked the fire, while officers dispersed in search of the suspect, with a description from eyewitnesses.
When firefighters made entry into the home, the fire in the living room was contained quickly. However, inside they found four dogs locked in kennels. The dogs were removed and firefighters and medics immediately began trying to resuscitate them with oxygen masks. The Millbrook Fire Department possesses masks specifically designed for dogs for these types of incidents.
Unfortunately, two dogs were already dead. A third was transported to an emergency medical clinic in Montgomery, but later died. A fourth dog has so far survived.
Meanwhile, Millbrook Police located a suspect at the Dixie One Stop on Main Street.
Kendall Henderson, 45, who is listed as living at the residence where the arson occurred, was questioned and later arrested. He is currently charged with Arson 2nd degree, a Class B felony. If found guilty, he faces up to 20 years in prison on that charge. He also faces four charges of animal cruelty, which are misdemeanors.
“We really appreciate the assistance of the Millbrook Police Department and the Detective Division in this matter,” Millbrook Fire Marshal Doyle Campbell said.
According to Campbell, his office made the arrest and warrants have been served. Henderson remains in Elmore County Jail with a $48,000 bond as of this reporting.
“Fortunately, no humans were injured in this incident, but the damage to the home and the loss of the family pets are a tragedy,” Campbell said. “We requested the highest bond amounts on all charges. It is difficult to imagine anyone capable of setting fire to a home and also knowing there are four dogs locked in kennels with no way to escape.”
The damage to the home is moderate and includes the living room area, Campbell said.
On the scene Saturday evening, the EAN spoke to multiple residents who live on Pecan Circle. They told us they have had concerns for some time about that particular home and have had issues in the past. The Millbrook Police Department confirmed they are familiar with the residence where the suspected arson occurred and have responded in the past to mostly domestic-related calls for help.
This matter is under investigation, and we will update accordingly if new information arises.
