Accused Arsonist Arrested After Breaking Into Stripes

SAN ANGELO, TX – A man was arrested Wednesday after police say he broke into a Stripes Convenience store and then started a fire across the street. 

According to the San Angelo Police Department, on Mar. 4, officers were dispatched to the Stripes at the intersection of Knickerbocker and Austin for the report of a burglary of a building. 

Once they arrived no suspect was on sight but they did find evidence of a burglary such as broken glass. During their initial visit officers were able to obtain images and videos of the suspect via the security cameras. 

Later that night the officers were dispatched again to the Stripes for the report of a man who had locked himself inside of the bathroom. Officers forced entry into the restroom and arrested the man. They identified the man as 23-year-old Mickey Gladden. 

Police say he fit the description of the suspect from earlier that night and they found items that he allegedly stole during his initial visit. 

After further investigation the officers found more of the stolen items across the street at Triple B Portables. They also found a fire that was started by Gladden just before he headed back to Stripes. 

Officers were able to put out the fire before any structure was damaged.

Gladden was charged with Arson and Burglary of a Building. He was booked into the Tom Green County Jail and released the same day at 3:43 p.m. His bond was set at $15,000.