A man has been arrested and charged with aggravated arson following a fire that displaced 18 people and caused extensive damage to a multi-family apartment building in Alliance early Monday morning.
According to authorities, the fire occurred at 105 N. Mechanic Ave. around 12:39 a.m. on Dec. 9. The suspect, identified as James Lee Burns, allegedly set fire to a mattress inside his apartment, unit #19, before locking the door and fleeing the building. The blaze quickly spread, engulfing the entire structure and forcing residents to evacuate for their safety.
Two residents were transported to a hospital with minor injuries, officials said. The fire caused significant damage to the building, leaving all occupants displaced.
Police located Burns in the 500 block of S. Union Ave., where he was taken into custody without incident. After being read his Miranda rights, Burns admitted to setting the fire, according to the police report. He was transported to Alliance Community Hospital for medical clearance before being booked at the Stark County Jail.
Burns faces two counts of aggravated arson, including one first-degree felony and one second-degree felony. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.
The incident remains under investigation.
