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Miller charged with arson
GREENCASTLE -- A Greencastle man was formally charged with arson Wednesday in Putnam County Circuit Court.
Timothy L. Miller, 40, was charged with Class D felonies arson and criminal mischief. He could face a jail term of up to six years.
According to court documents, Greencastle Police Department Reserve Officer Jeremiah Jackson was dispatched shortly before 10 p.m. Monday to a vehicle fire. The person who reported the fire alleged it had been set by Miller.
When police got to the scene, they found a vehicle on fire at the curb in front of the vehicle owner's home. The vehicle was completely engulfed in flames, Jackson's report said.
Firefighters from the Greencastle Fire Department were called, and the fire was extinguished.
The person who reported the fire told police he had "observed a drunk or intoxicated man dump gasoline on a green Jeep Wrangler, set it on fire, then walk away."
Another eyewitness said she "was driving up the road and noticed Tim Miller standing on the corner, drunk with a gas can next to the Jeep." Moments later, the witness said, she saw the Jeep in flames.
While other officers went to locate Miller, Jackson made contact with the owner of the Jeep, Jerry Miller.
Jerry Miller told Jackson his troubles with Timothy Miller had started on Aug. 10, when the two had argued and Jerry accused Timothy of stealing narcotics from him.
"Jerry Miller stated that over the next few days, Tim continued to harass both he and his wife, Lori," Jackson's report said. "They repeatedly told him to stop, and (Timothy Miller) would only say that 'Jerry would be sorry.'"
Jerry Miller told police he was awakened Monday night by his wife, who told him his Jeep was on fire. He told Jackson he immediately knew who had set the fire.
The 1995 Jeep Wrangler was destroyed. A small camper that was parked next to the Jeep sustained minor heat and smoke damage.
After taking statements at the scene, Jackson was informed by other officers that Timothy Miller had tried to flee when the officers located him, and that "Upon questioning it was apparent that he was heavily intoxicated as he slurred his speech constantly, was very apprehensive and had constant trouble maintaining his balance while standing."
Officers attempted to obtain a breath sample from Miller, but were unable to do so. The officers noted that at no time did Miller make any reference to or admit any guilt for the arson.
Miller's clothing was tested for hydrocarbons, a byproduct of gasoline. Miller's shoes and pants both produced very strong measurements, court records said.
In addition, court records said, Miller appeared to have slight burns on his right hand.
Timothy Miller remains in the Putnam County Jail. His bond has been set at $10,000 cash only.