Puxico man accused of burning $30K tractor, other fires

PUXICO — A suspected arsonist from rural Puxico has been arrested, accused of setting multiple fires across Stoddard and Bollinger counties.

Allen Eugene Wilson, 58, faces six felony charges related to arson and property damage. He is being held in Stoddard County jail with no bond.

Wilson has told deputies he started the Stoddard County fires, which began July 1, because he was worried about his personal finances and losing his home, according to a probable cause statement filed with Stoddard County courts.

The location of the fires was one county road west of Allen’s house, officials said.

A John Deere 8300 tractor was reported burned July 1. The equipment is valued at $30,000, according to reports.

The same victim also reported a fire at an electric irrigation well, located approximately a quarter of a mile from the site of the burned tractor.

Deputies received another report of arson July 5 at a farm shop building, a short distance from the tractor and well fires.

“The damage (July 5) will be in excess of $7,000 between the two tractors, two bales of straw, contents and building,” deputies report. “The building and tractors were not a total loss.”

A white Chevrolet truck with paint damage was photographed in the vicinity of the shop building fire about 20 minutes before the incident, officials said.

It was identified as belonging to Wilson, who was interviewed.

Wilson initially denied being involved in the incidents, but later admitted to using a lit cigarette to light dry bails of straw on fire at the shop building, according to the probable cause statement.

“Allen denied, then later admitted to setting the ... tractor and well pump on fire earlier in the week,” deputies shared. “He admitted that he used his lighter intentionally to light the dead grass at the bottom of the well pump, near the tractor.

“Allen stated he did this after work, before going home.”

Stoddard County deputies say that Wilson is also believed to have been involved in other arsons in Bollinger County.