ATLANTA -- Bond for Basil Eleby, the man accused of starting the massive fire underneath Interstate 85 last March, was revoked briefly during a hearing late Monday afternoon.
The homeless man was accused of setting the fire while smoking crack. The blaze destroyed the bridge near Piedmont Avenue, which snarled traffic through the city for more than 6 weeks.
The judge said he tested positive for alcohol and negative for cocaine, resulting in the revocation of his bond. He was immediately taken into custody.
After he was taken into custody, Eleby's attorney, Mawuli Davis, argued that the terms of the bond were not made clear to him.
The judge agreed and tightened the terms of the bond. She noted that Eleby would be subject to periodic drug and alcohol testing in order to remain free on bond. The judge ordered him released after she was satisfied that Eleby understood the terms of his bond.
Eleby is facing charges of first-degree arson and criminal damage to property.
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