CAPE CORAL, Fla. (CBS Tampa) — Authorities say they found a marijuana grow operation after a man’s home caught on fire following a lightning strike.
WBBH-TV reports Cape Coral Police and Fire Departments made the discovery at Jaroslav Kratky’s home early Sunday morning.
Lightning strikes started several fires in the Cape Coral area Saturday evening. After containing the fire and clearing Kratky’s home, fire officials discovered a marijuana grow-house operation.
Police told WBBH that 15 plants were seized inside the home, while seven were seized outside.
“The marijuana was field-tested with one of our marijuana test kits and it showed a positive result for THC,” Cape Coral Police Sgt. Dana Coston told WBBH.
Kratky claims he is innocent.
“I’m a packrat, you know I got things. I’m a junkman. I take all kinds of stuff,” Kratky told WBBH.
He added, “I don’t know why they are making such a big deal about marijuana. It’s getting legal everywhere.”
Police say Kratky told them that he used the pot to “make medicine.”
Kratky has been charged with production/cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana.
