Update, 12:50 p.m.:
The man charged in Tuesday night's arson and robbery is the stepson of the business' owner, TBO.com reports, citing Tampa Fire Rescue officials.
Earlier:
A South Tampa man is charged with robbing and setting fire to a Thai restaurant Tuesday night, according to Tampa Police.
Officers on patrol around 9:11 p.m. Tuesday say they they saw James Nettles, 34, wearing gloves and a black backpack and exiting the back of the Thai Market and Kitchen, 3325 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., as the building was engulfed in flames. When officers attempted to stop Nettles, they said, he took off on foot and was captured after a short pursuit.
Nettles "was found to be in possession of the DVR system for the video surveillance system of the business," a police spokesperson said in a media release, as well as money that had been removed from the restaurant's safe.
Tampa Fire Rescue personnel , which investigators said they considered "suspicious."
The restaurant was not open for business at the time, officials said, and no evacuation was not necessary. No injuries were reported.
Nettles, of 7411 S. Swoope St., is charged with arson, grand theft, burglary to a structure and resisting arrest without violence. He is being held in Hillsborough County Jail without bond.
The Thai Market has been in business at its location about 30 years, TBO.com reports.
