Natchez Police have charged a local resident with the Thanksgiving Day arson of his girlfriend’s house on Bowman Street.

Gary Nelson, 31, was arrested Friday and was being held without bond pending arraignment next week.

Police believe Nelson started the fire by splashing gasoline on the house and lighting it, said Natchez Police Chief Willie Huff.

Nelson is said to have had an altercation with his girlfriend prior to the fire, Huff added.

The Natchez Fire Department sent two fire engines to the scene at 6:52 Thanksgiving morning. The fire damaged the porch, den and the kitchen of the house. There was smoke and water damage throughout the house, said Commander Oliver Stewart.

The house, at 204 Bowman St., belonged to Bobby Thompson and his family. All the residents escaped uninjured.