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Officers with the Cordele Police Department arrested 67-year-old Joseph Akins in connection with an arson at his next-door neighbors’ home on Saturday.

Akins, who lives at 511 West 8^th Avenue, is believed to have set fire to the residence at 513 West 8^th Avenue while three occupants were inside. They were unharmed and the Cordele Fire Department was able to extinguish the exterior fire before significant structural damage could occur.

“Due to the quick response of our officers, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident,” said CPD Detective Scott Farrow, who expressed thanks to the Cordele Fire Department for its quick work as well.

The victims’ names will not be released as the CPD’s investigation into the incident is still underway.