Suspect in Larch Court arson charged

James Bailey has been charged with arson after the Columbia Fire Department responded to the 1200 block of Larch Court for a fire on Sunday.

When firefighters responded to the residence they found a small fire on the outside 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.

According to the probable cause statement, the victim said Bailey was intoxicated, threatened to kill her and burn her house down.

Police said when they arrived on scene they found a pile of burnt clothing, paperwork, and trash on the concrete patio. Two burnt propane bottles were discovered in the near vicinity of the residence, police said.

Officers said they arrested Bailey on scene after he was found near the 1200 block of Larch Court.

Police said Bailey had sent the victim a text saying, “burn.”

Officers found a metal container of lighter fluid on the passenger seat of Bailey’s vehicle.

Two lighters were also recovered from Bailey, police said.