JACKSON, OH — A joint investigation between the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrest of a Jackson man accused of setting fire to an occupied home, an incident that left two firefighters injured.
Authorities say the fire occurred on Thursday, January 29, at a residence located at 420 Pine Ridge Road in Liberty Township. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting the blaze, prompting a response from the Liberty Township Fire Department along with mutual aid from the Jackson Fire Department, Scioto Township Fire Department, and Coalton Fire Department.
All occupants of the home were able to escape safely. However, two firefighters with the Jackson Fire Department sustained non-life-threatening burn injuries while battling the fire. They were transported by Jackson County EMS to Holzer Medical Center, where they were treated and later released.
Following a joint investigation conducted by the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, investigators identified Ronald Taylor, 34, of Jackson, as a suspect. An arrest warrant was issued charging Taylor with aggravated arson, a first-degree felony.
On January 31, investigators received information that Taylor was staying at a location in Pike County. Law enforcement agencies from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Waverly Police Department coordinated efforts to locate and arrest Taylor at two Pike County locations.
“This case demonstrates the power and impact of collaboration among local, county, and state agencies,” said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Richard Sluder. “Arson is a dangerous crime that destroys property and puts lives at risk, including the firefighters who respond to protect their communities.”
The case will now be forwarded to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Anyone with information related to this case or other arson incidents is encouraged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728. A reward of up to $5,000 may be available at the discretion of the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee.
