A barn on Freedom Road in Pine City was destroyed by fire Monday morning.
According to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to the fire around 10:22 a.m. While en route, a deputy noticed an individual, identified as Dustin Botham, walking down the road barefoot, which law enforcement found suspicious.
Bothum was placed in the back of a squad car, and the deputy continued to the scene.
Deputies assisted in removing pets and residents of a nearby house. No one was reported injured from the fire.
Chief Deputy Scott Grice said that responders learned Bothum was spotted near the fire a few days ago, so a K9 was called to search for evidence.
Bothum was arrested for negligent fire.
The case is still under investigation.
Photo taken by Joe Keyport.