Texarkana Man Charged with Arson After Dumpster Fire Incident

A man in Texarkana, Texas, faces serious charges after allegedly setting a dumpster on fire while under the influence of methamphetamine. Michael Jacob Castillo, 34, has been charged with arson and possession of a controlled substance following the incident on August 25, 2023.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Bowie County, surveillance footage captured Castillo at approximately 18:15 climbing into a dumpster located behind the Cash America Pawn store on New Boston Road. Six minutes later, smoke and flames were visible as Castillo exited the dumpster and walked away from the scene.

Officers from the Texarkana Texas Police Department responded swiftly and detained Castillo shortly after the fire was reported. Initially, he claimed that the fire was accidental, stating that he had been using a can to smoke marijuana. However, upon searching Castillo, officers discovered about 0.01 grams of suspected methamphetamine in his pocket. Castillo subsequently admitted that the substance he had been smoking was meth, not marijuana.

Currently, Castillo is being held in the Bowie County jail with bail set at $53,000. If convicted of arson, he could face a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years. The drug possession charge carries a potential sentence of six months to two years in a state jail.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding substance abuse and public safety in the region. Local authorities continue to address such incidents to maintain community safety and order.