Deputies search for man who threw bricks through windows of home, then burned it to the ground

Published 2:37 pm Friday, September 29, 2023

Alabama law enforcement officers were searching Friday for a man they believe threw bricks into the windows of a woman’s mobile home and eventually set the home on fire before the homeowner shot at him.

Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office investigators said they were searching for John David Baskins, 44, of Florence, on charges of first-degree arson.

Investigators said Baskins got into an argument with the homeowner in the Central community and attempted to gain access to the mobile home and eventually threw bricks through the windows and set the home on fire.

The woman inside began shooting at Baskins. It was unclear if he was struck by the gunfire or not. The woman was not injured, but her home burned to the ground.