News

A home after it has been burned down.
The home in Jackson County that is under investigation for alleged arson. [Ohio State Fire Marshal]

A joint investigation leads to the arrest of a suspect accused in a Jackson County arson that injured firefighters

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JACKSON, Ohio (WOUB) — A Jackson County man has been arrested less than a week after he allegedly set fire to an occupied home in the county.

Ronald Taylor mugshot
Ronald Taylor [Ohio State Fire Marshal]
Ronald Taylor, 34, of Jackson, has been charged with aggravated arson, a first-degree felony, according to a release from the State Fire Marshal.

On Thursday, firefighters from multiple departments were called to a house fire at 420 Pine Ridge Rd. in Jackson. While the occupants of the home were able to escape without injury, two firefighters with the Jackson Fire Department sustained non-life-threatening burn injuries and were taken by Jackson County EMS to the Holzer Medical Center where they were treated and later released.

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau (FEIB) and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation that resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for Taylor.

Information was obtained Saturday that indicated Taylor was staying at a location in Pike County. State, county and local authorities responded to two location in the county and were able to find and arrest Taylor.

“This case demonstrates the power and impact of collaboration among local, county, and state agencies. The swift arrest of this suspect was the direct result of that close teamwork,” said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Richard Sluder. “Arson is a dangerous crime that destroys property and puts lives at risk, including the brave firefighters who respond to these incidents to protect their communities. We are grateful to our partners across the state for working alongside us in bringing these individuals to justice.”

This case will be forwarded to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Anyone with information about this case or any other arson-related fires is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728. A reward of up to $5,000 may be granted at the discretion of the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee.