WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) – A 21-year-old Douglas man remains behind bars after allegedly setting fire to a bedroom inside a relative’s home.

Authorities say Marco Antonio Bautista, 21, was arrested on August 28, 2025, and charged with first-degree arson.

According to an incident report, deputies were called to a Tara Road residence around 3 p.m. on August 27 for a property damage complaint. The complainant told deputies that Bautista had been setting fires throughout the property and had earlier set a blaze in a bedroom that was under renovation.

The report states the room contained exposed insulation, and a witness alleged Bautista started the fire using a McDonald’s bag. The suspect fled the home after the complainant threatened to call law enforcement.

Deputies observed fire damage in the bedroom but were unable to locate Bautista that day. He was later taken into custody on August 28 and remains in jail on first-degree arson charges.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.