Man arrested for arson after Fort Myers hotel fire damages 11 rooms

Writer: Carolina Guzman
Published: Updated:
Shaquille Taj Ashley Credit: The Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Fort Myers police officers have arrested a man suspected of intentionally setting a hotel on fire where the flames damaged 11 rooms.

Once on scene at the Rodeway Inn at Cleveland Avenue, early Thursday morning, officers cleared the affected rear West building.

According to the Fort Myers Police Department, an employee identified a man who trespassed on the property.

Police said video footage caught 30-year-old Shaquille Taj Ashley allegedly re-entering the building and proceeding to light a hallway photo on fire with a long metal, multi-purpose lighter.

In the video, Ashley then turns to the camera and waves.

Fire Officials responded to the scene to manage the flames and further investigate.

At approximately 8:40 a.m., officers located Ashley near Cleveland Avenue and took him into custody without incident.

Ashley was charged with arson and transported to the Lee County Jail.

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