PAYNESVILLE - A man has been arrested for allegedly intentionally starting a fire at a Paynesville apartment complex.

The man has been identified as 27-year-old Sue Lee of Paynesville.

Police say witnesses saw Lee enter his apartment with a gas can early Tuesday morning. A short time later he was seen leaving the apartment and smoke was coming out of that apartment unit. Officers were able to track Lee to the Brooklyn Park area, and on Tuesday police found his vehicle at about 2:30 p.m..

Police say when confronted, Lee stated something to the effect of an arson and asked "how much did I burn?".

Lee was taken into custody and transferred to the Stearns County Jail.  He faces charges of two counts of 1st Degree Arson.

About 40 people have been displaced by the fire and are being helped by the Red Cross, Tri-Cap, and the Paynesville Community Center.  If you would like to help the families, you can call (320) 243-4953.

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