ARSON SUSPECTED IN THREE FIRES SET OFF HIGHWAY 81 IN PONCE DE LEON; ONE IN CUSTODY

Posted on January 31, 2017

For Immediate Release

January 31, 2017

Red Bay, Fla— Walton County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the State Fire Marshal’s Office in the investigation of three fires set off Highway 81 early Tuesday morning.

Just before 5am Walton County Fire Rescue and WCSO responded to 3792 State Highway 81 in reference to a fully involved car fire. While units were on scene a structure in close proximity to the vehicle also became involved.

Then, at approximately 7am an additional fire was started on the back porch of the adjacent property at 3742 State Highway 81. Walton Correctional Institution and WCSO K9 Units were called to the area. A person of interest was apprehended a short time later after she tried to get into the vehicle of a passerby near the scene.

Rebecca Rushing Barker was subsequently arrested on charges of burglary of an occupied conveyance for attempting to enter the victim’s car uninvited. The arson investigation is still ongoing and will be handled by the State Fire Marshal’s office. More details will be released when they are available.

If anyone has information regarding this case you are encouraged to call the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850)-892-8111 or Detective Jim Stafford at the State Fire Marshal’s office at (850)-747-5897.