Photo: by Jose A. Teijeiro / Moment / Getty Images
(Marshalltown, IA) -- A man has been charged in connection to two separate fires in Marshalltown.
Anthony Garcia, 22, has been charged with two counts of first-degree arson following separate fires. Police say Garcia allegedly set fire to a Super 8 hotel room on South Center Street in October 2024 and a home on Union Street in February 2025. Investigators say the February fire followed an argument with his girlfriend, and Garcia reportedly claimed he did it to express his feelings. He is also suspected in a third fire but has not been charged. Garcia was taken into custody on May 8, 2025, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 19.