PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — A man is behind bars after detectives said he burned a homeless camp to the ground.
According to initial reports, a two-story structure was fully engulfed in flames near Huston Street and route 23 Sunday afternoon in Circleville. The scene was the site of a homeless encampment.
The call came in around 10:30 a.m.
Firefighters on the scene noted that several small explosions could be heard from inside the burning building.
After talking with some of the homeless population, deputies learned that the fire was intentionally set by a man who many identified as 36-year-old Richard Hill Jr., Circleville. It wasn’t released how Hill started the fire, but detectives said it was intentionally set. It also was not released if Hill lived at the camp or what his motive may have been.
Hill was arrested and charged with felony aggravated arson.