Authorities responded to an alarming blaze at a local homeless encampment, leading to two arrests on Monday. The Town of Windsor Police Department reported on social media that the fire, accompanied by an explosion, was spotted around 11:23 a.m. along Highway 101. The explosion, later attributed to a small propane tank, shook the area, causing a mattress, clothing, and a tent to catch fire.
Deputies detained 55-year-old Michael Gilbert at the scene as fire personnel worked to control the flames and mitigate further risks to the vicinity. During their efforts, a replica handgun was discovered after falling from the backpack of Nichole Edwards when apprehended. According to the police department's post, Gilbert was arrested on misdemeanor charges that included public intoxication and polluting a waterway, for which his bail was set at $1,000.
The investigation escalated when 35-year-old Nichole Edwards was found and subsequently detained on Hembree Lane. Authorities believe she intentionally set fire to the tent before fleeing the scene. Edwards now faces charges of felony arson and several misdemeanors—including possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and polluting a waterway—with her bail set at $30,000.
