Monday Morning House Fire In Charleston Leads To Arson Arrest
An early morning house fire in Charleston led to the arrest of a 20-year-old man on Monday. Investigators determined the blaze had been intentionally set following a domestic dispute. Emergency crews were called just before 6:30 a.m. on Monday, February 23rd, to the 700 block of 11th Street, where initial reports indicated a possible entrapment. All occupants were able to get out safely before crews arrived, and firefighters quickly located and extinguished the fire in a back bedroom. Authorities say the suspect later resisted officers before being taken into custody and is now facing felony charges tied to the danger brought upon those still inside the home.
Fire crews arriving on scene reported heavy smoke coming from the rear of the residence and immediately began search efforts to ensure no one else remained inside. Once the structure was cleared,the flames were contained to a bedroom in the back of the house and were knocked down within minutes. Officials reported moderate fire damage to the back portion of the home along with smoke damage throughout the entire house. One occupant suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment at the scene.
Following the fire, police and fire investigators determined the incident was not accidental. The Charleston Police Department says Daniel J. Hernandez, 20, intentionally set the fire after a dispute with others in the home. He was arrested on a charge of aggravated arson involving a residence with occupants present.
During the arrest, officials said Hernandez resisted officers before being safely taken into custody. He was transported to the Coles County Jail, where he remains held. Aggravated arson is considered a ‘non-probationable’ felony under Illinois law as it is an inherent public safety risk.
The Mattoon Fire Department and Coles County 911 also assisted on the scene. This investigation is ongoing, and all individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
