- April 26, 2024
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The Ormond Beach Police Department is currently investigating a house fire took place at 144 S. Ridgewood Ave., July 17.
According to the residents, Thomas Loncala was asked to leave the home after causing a disturbance. He returned a short time later, and the residents discovered smoke coming from the down stairs portion of the house. Both residents were able to flee the house without sustaining injuries.
The residents were able to save one dog by throwing him out the second story window, but were unable to locate the second. The dog they saved suffered severe medical issues from the smoke and heat and was transported to the emergency vet clinic.
After exiting the house, both residents saw Loncala in the front yard yelling at them. He then fled the scene and was located and detained a short time later by a Volusia County Sheriff's Office deputy at a parking lot located at 20. S. Yonge St. He was armed with a wooden leg that was broken from a table, but agreed to comply with police.
Loncala stated he had been temporarily staying at the residence, but was recently arrested. When he was released from jail, he said he was unable to locate his property he left at the residence, and believes the residents sold his property for drugs.
Loncala decided he would exact revenge by setting their house on fire because he "wanted them to have nothing, just like he has nothing." He said he had no intention to harm the two victims and their dogs.
The Ormond Beach Fire Department responded, but the structure suffered extensive damage and is un-inhabitable, and the state fire marshal is also investigating the incident.
Loncala was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder, arson and animal cruelty.
