Kennesaw Man Accused of Setting Fire to Homeless Encampment

A Kennesaw man is accused of setting fire to a homeless encampment.

Richard Todd Blake, 55, is accused of setting fire to several tents in the remnants of a homeless encampment on March 9 between 3:35 and 5:23 p.m. in a wooded area behind a residence at 1657 Greers Chapel Road in Kennesaw, according to an arrest warrant from the Cobb County Police Department.

Blake stated that he was trying to clean up the garbage and debris on the land, which is located behind his residence. Blake also stated that he intentionally set fire to the tents after clearing the surrounding leaves and dousing the perimeter with water to prevent a wildfire. Blake did not have permission from the landowner, according to the warrant.

Blake is charged with burning of woodlands, brush, fields or other lands. He was arrested on March 9 at 4:20 p.m. and booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, according to jail records.

Blake was released on a $1,000 bond.