Man tried to steal from an old Sports Authority in Bradenton. He started a fire instead.

Manatee deputies arrested a man who they say tried to steal copper wiring from an old Sports Authority and ended up starting a fire instead.

Around 2:10 p.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a report of someone trying to steal copper wiring from the old Sports Authority building at 201 Cortez Road W. in Bradenton.

A caller told authorities that a man, later identified as 36-year-old Robert James Heaton, was dropped off behind the building with tools and wire cutters.

Shortly after deputies arrived, they heard a loud noise and saw smoke coming from the back of the building. An electrical panel had caught fire. Firefighters responded and put out the blaze, deputies said.

Within seconds of the explosion, deputies reported seeing Heaton walking behind the building, away from the smoke.

He was eventually detained and had burn marks on his face, neck, shoulder and upper chest area, deputies said, and was transported.

Heaton faces charges of grand theft, criminal mischief and arson, according to the sheriff’s office.

This story was originally published August 22, 2018 at 5:51 PM.