Basil Eleby was one of three arrested in connection with the I-85 fire and collapse.

The AJC is reporting that three people are in custody in connection with the massive fire under I-85 on Thursday that caused part of the elevated roadway to collapse.

The three, who were possibly homeless, are Basil Eleby, charged with first degree arson and criminal damage to property; Sophia Bruner, charged with criminal trespass; and Barry Thomas, charged with criminal trespass. Eleby, 39, who has been arrested 19 times since 2000, was allegedly smoking crack cocaine under I-85 before the blaze..

Authorities gave few details about how they identified the suspects or how the fire was started, but did say the suspects used materials available under the roadway. Construction materials, including PVC conduit cable, had been stored

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.

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