Arson charges filed in Mexico fire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Arson charges were unsealed Wednesday against a Mexico, Missouri, man more than two months after a fire that caused significant damage to a home.

Mexico police arrested Kent D. Erwin on Wednesday afternoon on warrants for second-degree arson, a felony, and third-degree arson, a misdemeanor. He was in Audrain County Jail custody on Wednesday with no bond.

Police say they arrested Erwin without incident.

Officers determined the Sept. 27 fire in the 700 block of Union Street was purposely set because the resident was not home when the fire broke out, and the house didn't have working utilities, according to a probable cause statement. Police say they were aware of issues between Erwin and the resident leading up to the fire.

The blaze caused significant damage to the house and heat damage to a neighboring house.

Erwin told police a few days later that he left Mexico before the time of the fire, but officers saw burns on his right hand, the statement says. Erwin reportedly told police he had fallen off a bicycle.

Witnesses said Erwin was near the house that night, drunk, and video confirmed he was in the area, according to the statement.

Investigators say Erwin's medical records show he was treated for first- and second-degree burns on his right arm and hand a few days after the fire.

Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger successfully asked a judge to seal the case until Erwin's arrest. Erwin's warrant says he was jailed without bond because he is a danger to the victim or community.

An initial hearing was set for Thursday morning.