Police: Arson Caused SW Miami-Dade House Fire

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE - (CBS4) - A man who argued with his roommates over his missing keys and wallet is charged with arson for allegedly setting the home he shared with several others on fire.

Greg Jefferson, 54, is now sitting in jail facing a first-degree arson charge. Police say Jefferson "was agitated because he lost his wallet and keys to the residence," the arrest report states.

So, just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jefferson became upset because he could not get into his room on the 12000 block of Southwest 184th Street. Police say the owner of the home used a knife to open the door for him, but Jefferson remained upset, police said in their report.

Jefferson began yelling and staring at everyone in the home and 10 minutes later walked outside and returned with a cigarette in his mouth holding a brown paper bag in his hand. Police said the two other residents in the home saw Jefferson throw the bag inside, close the door behind him and yelled out, "You will pay."

Another resident noticed smoke coming out of his room and she warned everyone to abandon the home as the intense flames gained strength. Damage to the home was valued at $50,000.

Jefferson refused to talk with detectives about the incident.