Gadsden brothers used Molotov cocktail to torch neighbor's home, police say

Jimmy Dewayne Leonard is sought by Gadsden police.

Two Gadsden brothers are facing felony charges after police say they used a Molotov cocktail to torch a neighbor's home.

Gadsden police responded about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, to the 900 block of Agricola Avenue on a report of two men walking down the street, carrying a Molotov cocktail.

While officers were in the area looking for the two individuals, a second call came in from a residence in the same block. The caller reported a fire in the back exterior of an occupied home, said Gadsden police Sgt. John Hallman.

The Gadsden Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished the fire. The remnants of a Molotov cocktail were recovered from the scene. Due to the quick response of Gadsden Fire, Hallman said, no injuries were reported and the damage to the residence was minor.

A Molotov cocktail is defined as a crude incendiary device typically consisting of a bottle filled with flammable liquid and with a means of ignition.

Police detectives launched an investigation and believe the motive involves an on-going dispute between neighbors.

On July 18th, 42-year-old Melvin Floyd Leonard was taken into custody. The following day detectives obtained a warrant for him for first-degree arson. He is being held in the Etowah County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Melvin Floyd Leonard

Additionally, Hallman said, an arrest warrant has also been obtained for Jimmy Dewayne Leonard, 47, of Gadsden, also for first-degree arson. Jimmy Dewayne Leonard remains at large.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jimmy Leonard is urged to contact Detective Rick Jones, at 256-549- 4624.

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