HERMANTOWN, Minn. (Northern News Now) - The man charged with strangling a St. Louis County deputy is now accused of burning down a Hermantown garage three days earlier.

Authorities say 37-year-old Gideon Martin allegedly started a fire near Lavaque and Hermantown roads on May 23.

Several classic cars were destroyed.

According to court documents, security video recorded shortly before the fire shows Martin around the garage at the same time the fire broke out, and then running off when popping sounds started.

There is no word on a motive.

Three days after that fire, Martin had a dispute over his belongings with a St. Louis County deputy in Rice Lake, Minnesota.

Things turned ugly as Martin allegedly started choking the deputy. The deputy was able to get away and had minor injuries.

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