Muncie Man Charged with Attempted Arson After Trash Bag Fire

Doorbell camera footage allegedly shows suspect lighting fire near business air conditioning unit.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A Muncie, Indiana man has been preliminarily charged with attempted arson after allegedly setting a trash bag on fire and leaving it unattended near a business's air conditioning unit in late December 2025. Court documents state that doorbell camera footage captured video of the suspect, identified as Austin, lighting the bag on fire and walking away.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about public safety and property damage in the Muncie community. Attempted arson is a serious crime that can put businesses and residents at risk, and the use of surveillance footage to identify and apprehend the suspect highlights the role technology can play in investigating such incidents.

The details

According to the court documents, the doorbell camera footage showed Austin walking around the back of the business, holding what appeared to be a trash bag. The video then allegedly captured him squatting next to the air conditioning unit, lighting the bag on fire, and walking away as the bag was clearly burning. The business owner, who did not recognize Austin, said they did not give anyone permission to light the fire. Austin was later identified and taken into custody, where he denied damaging any buildings or setting any fires, claiming he is 'not a sleepwalker' and 'not crazy'.

  • The incident occurred in late December 2025.
  • Austin was taken into custody on February 13, 2026.

The players

Austin

A Muncie, Indiana man who has been preliminarily charged with attempted arson for allegedly setting a trash bag on fire and leaving it unattended near a business's air conditioning unit.

Business Owner

The owner of the business where the alleged attempted arson incident took place, who did not recognize Austin and did not give anyone permission to light the fire.

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What they’re saying

“I am not sleep walker, and I am not crazy under any means.”

— Austin (Court Documents)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Austin's bond amount and whether he will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the role of surveillance technology in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals. It also raises questions about mental health and public safety in the Muncie area.