Posted: November 5, 2021
On August 29, 2021, the Punta Gorda Police Department and the Punta Gorda Fire Department responded to the Park Hill community, located at 10101 Burnt Store Road, in reference to a home and vehicle fire. The resident was in the home asleep when the sound of the fire woke them and they were able to escape without injury. It was determined that the fire started with the resident’s vehicle, which had been parked in the carport. It was also determined that the fire was a result of arson.
After an extensive investigation that included assistance from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives, Wayne Ellery Steier, of Midway Boulevard in Port Charlotte, was placed under arrest earlier today and charged with Arson of Dwelling or Structure Where People Present. Detectives are still looking for additional information on this case. If you have information, please contact the police department by calling the non-emergency number at 941-639-4111 and asking to speak with a detective during business hours.