Burn Victim Charged With Rancher's Restaurant Arson

HIGHLANDS COUNTY - A burn victim was charged Tuesday in connection with an arson fire that burned down the Rancher's Restaurant early Sunday morning, said Lt. Brandon Ball, with the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Robert Lee Marcum, 34, of Okeechobee, was arrested after a warrant was issued for his arrest, prior to Marcum's release from a Tampa General Hospital burn unit and being charged with arson and burglary, Ball said.

"We don't know his motivation," Ball said. "The suspect declined an interview by authorities."

The 40-foot wide by 120-foot long structure was located at 15765 State Road 70, on the border of Highlands and Okeechobee counties, according to fire marshal spokesman Sam Venzeio. The fire was called in at 1:12 a.m. Sunday.

Marcum was located at Raulerson Hospital in Okeechobee with serious burns after he was chased by Okeechobee law enforcement officers. Marcum was later transported to Tampa General Hospital.

A man riding a motorcycle was reportedly seen leaving the scene of the fire headed toward Okeechobee County, according to State Fire Marshal Lt. Brandon Ball.

It is now believed that the rider was the suspect Marcum, according to Ball.

However, a Highlands County Sheriff's Office incident report stated a truck was seen driving away from the fire. It was unclear Tuesday if there were two vehicles involved or there was a miscommunication of some kind.

Firefighters from Okeechobee County, Lorida Volunteer Fire Department and the Seminole Indian Tribe Fire Department fought the blaze, which was put out by 5 a.m. on Sunday.

The Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention is seeking information about the fire. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-662-7766 or call the State Fire Marshal's Office at 850-413-3603.