UPDATE: Suspect in Larch Court arson arrested
UPDATE – 9:20 a.m.: Columbia police arrested 50-year-old James Leroy Bailey Jr. Sunday night, accusing him of setting fire to a home in the 1200 block of Larch Court.
Police were called to the area just after 7:30 p.m. to respond to a reported threat.
“The female victim reported James Bailey was intoxicated, threatened to kill her, and threatened to burn down her residence,” said CPD spokesperson Officer Latisha Stroer.
About 30 minutes later, the victim called police again saying she had received another threat from Bailey and that he set her porch on fire.
“The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched along with officers,” said Stroer. “The Columbia Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire at the exterior south door.”
Officers found Bailey nearby along with “a pile of burnt clothing, paperwork, and trash on the concrete patio near the south door where the fire was started.”
Because police also found two burnt propane bottles near the house, investigators determined the fire was intentionally started and ended up causing around $1,000 of damage.
Bailey is facing first-degree arson charges.
UPDATE: 8:15 a.m.: The Columbia Fire Department has confirmed a fire at 1200 Larch Court was intentionally set.
According to CFD, firefighters were called around 8:15 Sunday night. Firefighters found a small fire on the out of the building.
Firefighters were able to use a portable extinguisher and get the fire out in about two minutes. The fire had not extended into the building.
The investigation by CFD’s Fire Marshal showed the fire was intentionally set. The Columbia Police Department is assisting in the investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Columbia Fire Department said Sunday night it was investigating a suspected arson near the Business Loop.
Firefighters were called to the 1200 block of Larch Court around 8:15 p.m.
Crews put out a small fire on the first floor of an apartment. ABC 17 News crews say the arson dog, Izzo, at the scene assisting.
Columbia Police was also at the scene talking to witnesses.
ABC 17 News will update this with more information when it’s avaliable.
