NewsWFLA News TampaOctober 25, 2026Hillsborough County
Seminole County deputies arrest Terrance Banks for arson and aggravated animal cruelty after house fire kills six dogs
Photo: WFLA News Tampa
Officials announced the arrest of Terrance Banks following a house fire in Seminole County where investigators determined gasoline was intentionally used, resulting in six dead dogs and five severely injured dogs.
Read the full story at WFLA News TampaWhy It Matters
A criminal case involving 11 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and second-degree moves through the legal system following an intentionally set residential fire.
Key Facts
- Terrance Banks was arrested by Seminole County Sheriff’s deputies on Sept. 28 in connection with a structure fire.
- Officials stated that Banks admitted to pouring gasoline in every room of his house and setting the fire.
- Eleven dogs were trapped inside the house during the fire.
- Six dogs died as a result of the fire, while five survived with severe injuries.
- The Seminole County Fire Department requested assistance from the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations.
- BFAEI detectives determined the cause of the fire was incendiary.
- Banks faces 11 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and second-degree arson.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationFlorida Department of Financial Services“Announced the arrest and provided investigative assistance”PersonTerrance Banks“Suspect arrested in connection with the fire”locationFlorida“State where the incident occurred”OrganizationSeminole County Sheriff’s“Made the arrest”PersonBlaise Ingoglia“Chief Financial Officer”OrganizationSeminole County Fire Department“Requested investigative assistance”locationSeminole County“Location of the Sheriff's Department and the incident”OrganizationBureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations“Investigated the fire’s origin”