VALDOSTA – A Valdosta man was arrested early Wednesday for allegedly leaving his four-year-old child home alone while he set a nearby house on fire.

At approximately 3 a.m., Lowndes County Fire and Rescue and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Summer Hill Place after a neighbor noticed a fire inside a home which was under construction. Investigators quickly determined the fire to be arson, said LCSO Capt. Stryde Jones.

“It was also noticed that the windows to the home had been broken prior to the fire,” Jones said. “Detectives and crime scene investigators were called to the scene and began an investigation. During the course of the investigation, detectives identified Jarod Medbery who lives in the area and located evidence linking him to the arson property damage.”

A small quantity of marijuana was reportedly discovered inside Medberry’s home. Detectives also learned Medbery left his home around 1:30 a.m. to go to a convenience store, leaving his four-year-old child home unattended, Jones said.

Investigators say alcohol may have been a factor in the incident.

Jarod Medberry, 31, was arrested and charged with arson, criminal damage to property, possessino of marijuana and reckless conduct, reports stated. He was transported to the Lowndes County Jail.

“The loss suffered by the home builder is bad enough, but I am thankful for the quick actions of the complainant who noticed the fire and called 911,” said Sheriff Chris Prine. “Their actions no doubt saved this home from total destruction.” said Sheriff Chris Prine.

Anyone with information concerning Jarod Medberry or this incident can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (229) 671-2950; or anonymous tips can be provided at (229) 671-2985 or on-line at www.lowndessheriff.com. The Sheriff’s Office is also accessible on Facebook.