Two men arrested by police in Opelika day care arson fires
Two Tuskegee men are in jail in connection to the day care arson fires.
The first fire occurred on Jan. 13, 2026, at By His Grace Daycare and Learning Center on South 6th Street. Several days later, on Jan. 19, the Children Palace Learning Center on Columbus Parkway caught fire.
Firefighters successfully extinguished both fires, and no injuries were reported in either incident.
During the initial investigations, authorities discovered glass mason jars filled with an accelerant at both locations.
Evidence gathered from the scenes led investigators to identify the suspects, police said.
The Opelika Police Department identified the suspects as Michael Leon Green, 26, and Dante Kharari Brundidge, 28, on arson charges.
Green
Brundidge
Green was arrested on Feb. 18 and Brundidge on Feb. 19. Both were booked into the Lee County Jail.
Opelika police was assisted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Marshals in the cases.
If you have any information about these incidents, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App.
Related stories
CrimeOPD: Police investigating shooting in Opelika; road closed
SafetyOpelika Fire Department equips all 90 firefighters with new communication-enhanced masks
LocalBREAKING: Opelika fire crews respond to two structure fires within 14 hours
LocalStructure fire extinguished Monday afternoon south of Camp Hill community
Crime & SafetyColumbus woman dies after Dawson Street stabbing; son arrested