Florida man accused of setting fire to Harley Davidson during dispute over a woman

BRONSON, Fla. (WGFL) — Levy County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a man accused of setting fire to another man's Harley Davidson after a love triangle went up in flames.

Deputies charged 63-year-old David Knutson with 2nd degree arson.

Investigators say Det. Justin Douglas was on his way to the office on May 17th when he noticed a fire in the parking lot of Weeks Marathon gas station in Bronson. Douglas pulled into the parking lot and saw it was a Harley Davidson engulfed in flames. Douglas and the store clerk were able to put the fire out.

Deputies say a witness told Douglas that she saw Knutson pour something on the motorcycle and ignite it before walking behind the rear of the station.

Lt. Scott Tummond said the detective learned Knutson and the convenience store clerk were involved in a dispute over a woman who chose the clerk over him.

"Both gentlemen had affections for the same woman and it would appear that the gentleman that owns the motorcycle had deeper affections that were reciprocated by the woman," Tummond said. "So Knutson took offense to this and in efforts to let his displeasure be known he decided to let this man's motorcycle on fire."

A second deputy found Knutson in his vehicle a short distance from the scene. Deputies say he still smelled of gasoline. They say he was also caught on security video setting fire to the bike. That video has not been released.

Knutson is being held at the Levy County Jail on $500,000 bond.