Bradenton Man Arrested for Allegedly Setting Ex-Girlfriend's Apartment on Fire, Police Report

A Bradenton man has been accused of setting his ex-girlfriend’s apartment on fire, according to police.

Robert Goolsby, 46, faces charges of attempted murder, criminal mischief, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and multiple counts of arson. Authorities allege that he set fire to an apartment located in the 2000 block of Fifth St. W. in Bradenton.

Goolsby’s attorney declined to comment.

The Bradenton Police Department responded to a fire call shortly after 2 a.m. on June 23. Officers found the doorway of an apartment engulfed in flames, which were spreading towards the roof. Using a fire extinguisher, they managed to put out the fire.

The building housed eight apartments, all occupied at the time, but no injuries were reported.

The woman living in the apartment identified herself as Goolsby’s ex-girlfriend. She told police that Goolsby had been harassing her with repeated phone calls and threatening text messages in the days leading up to the fire. According to court records, one text message from Goolsby read, “I warn you cause I will come in there, don’t get quiet now.”

Police said Goolsby knew his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend were inside the apartment when he asked her to meet him alone at the back gate.

The ex-girlfriend also reported that she had filed for an injunction against Goolsby after he allegedly threatened to kill her in March. She stated that Goolsby often carried an assault rifle or handgun, according to court documents.

When questioned by police, Goolsby admitted he was upset about his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend. He was arrested shortly before 5 a.m. after police spoke to both him and his ex-girlfriend, a Bradenton Police Department spokesperson said.

Goolsby remains in custody following a court appearance on June 28, where a judge ordered him to be held without bond due to "past and present patterns of behavior," according to court records.

He had previously pleaded not guilty and demanded a trial during a court appearance on June 25.

Court records indicate Goolsby has prior convictions for multiple drug charges related to the possession, sale, or delivery of cocaine.

Goolsby is scheduled for his next court hearing on August 16.