Man arrested in house fire
A man seen walking around a burning house in Apison with a gas can has been charged with arson and aggravated assault, authorities said.
Richard Lee Dillon, 55, had argued with his girlfriend before the blaze Friday night, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Janice Atkinson said in a news release.
Deputies were called to 5104 Wesleyan Road about 9 p.m. along with the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department. Witnesses saw smoke and fire coming from the house, Atkinson said.
Police arrested Dillon on charges of aggravated assault, aggravated arson, felony reckless endangerment false imprisonment and interference with emergency calls. He was booked into the Hamilton County Jail on $105,000 bond pending a March 4 court appearance.
The homeowner estimated the fire damage at $100,000, Atkinson said.