JACKSON, Ohio — Authorities have arrested a man in connection with an arson that damaged an occupied home and injured two firefighters in Jackson County.
Ronald Taylor, 34, of Jackson, Ohio, was charged with first-degree felony aggravated arson following a joint investigation by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire occurred Jan. 29 at a residence on 420 Pine Ridge Road. Residents escaped without injury, but two Jackson Fire Department firefighters suffered non-life-threatening burns and were treated at Holzer Medical Center.
Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau and the sheriff’s office worked together to identify Taylor as a suspect. Authorities located him Jan. 31 at a Pike County residence, leading to his arrest with assistance from multiple local and county agencies, including the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Prosecutor’s Office, and Waverly Police Department.
“This case demonstrates the power and impact of collaboration among local, county, and state agencies,” said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Richard Sluder. “The swift arrest of this suspect was the direct result of that close teamwork. Arson is a dangerous crime that destroys property and puts lives at risk, including the brave firefighters who respond to these incidents.”
The case has been forwarded to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities are asking anyone with information about this or other arson-related fires to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728. A reward of up to $5,000 may be available through the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee.