The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that they have arrested a man who reportedly set his house on fire to “stop evil.”

The incident was reported Friday evening at a home at 1648 NW 45th Terrace.

Authorities say they were called to the area due to house fire and when they arrived, neighbors told them that they remember seeing the owner of the home leaving the home shortly before the fire began.

The neighbor identified the homeowner as Matthew Tate and give authorities a description of what he was wearing.

A deputy later located a man walking down the road that match Tate’s description. They later identified him as Tate.

Tate told authorities he started the fire at his home to stop the “evil” that goes on in there.

Tate has since been taken in to custody and is now facing one count of arson in the second degree.

He is being held on a $5,000 bond.