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.
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.