Charges: Mpls Man, 50, Started House Fire Over Breakup

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 50-year-old Minneapolis man is in jail accused of starting a house fire over a breakup with his ex-girlfriend, according to Hennepin County Attorney's Office.

On Tuesday, the Attorney's Office charged Adolph Orr with first-degree arson, which carries with it a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, on April 11, 2011, police were dispatched to a house fire on 24th Avenue North in Minneapolis. A fire investigator was also called out to investigate and it was determined that the cause of the fire was arson. The fire began when a flaming object was tossed onto a mattress in the basement.

When officers spoke to the residents of the house, they said Orr started the fire. Orr apparently entered the home without permission and asked to see his ex-girlfriend, who was not home at the time. He then became angry and stated he would burn the house down, the complaint said.

A witness told police he watched Orr walking towards the back of the house and, shortly after, black smoke started coming from the basement.

Police say Orr denied starting the fire.