One Charged With Aggravated Arson After House Fire

On September 1, 2013 at approximately 2:52 pm, the Union City Ohio Fire Department was dispatched to 128 N Franklin Street in Union City, Ohio in reference to a bedroom on fire.  Fire units arrived on scene and quickly extinguished the fire.  Fire personnel requested the Darke County Sheriff’s Office to respond to the scene in reference to evidence that suggests a possible meth lab.  Darke County Sheriff’s Office Clandestine Lab Team responded to the scene.  In addition, the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene.

 

Initial investigation reveals that a male subject, William D. Clarkson, age 30, of Union City, Ohio, was seen fleeing the bedroom shortly after the fire started.  Clarkson was later located taken into custody.  Clarkson was transported to the Darke County Jail and is currently being held on the charge of Aggravated Arson.

 

The fire was ruled incendiary by the Fire Marshal’s Office.  Authorities are awaiting results from the Miami Valley Regional Crime Lab to determine whether a clandestine lab was involved.

 

Two adults were in the residence at the time of the fire.  The neighboring apartment of the duplex was occupied by a family which included a child.  None of the building’s occupants were injured.  One fire fighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.

 

This incident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, the Union City Ohio Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

 

Any charges will be pending review by the Darke County Prosecutor’s Office.