GALION — A juvenile was arrested Tuesday in connection with an arson fire at a vacant house during the Memorial Day weekend.
Galion police Chief Ryan Strange said Wednesday morning the juvenile was being held at the Crawford County Justice Center, pending the filing of charges.
Neither the gender nor the age of the suspect were released by the police department.
The Galion police and fire departments responded Sunday at 5:01 p.m. to the report of a structure fire at 334 E. Church St.
“When first responders arrived, the residence was fully engulfed in flames,” Strange said in a press release.
“The home had been vacant for an extended period of time and was ultimately declared a total loss,” the chief said.
He said no one was injured in the blaze, but nearby homes sustained damage in the fire.
“Due to circumstances surrounding the fire, including the fact the residence did not have active (electrical) power, the incident was considered suspicious and an investigation was initiated by the Galion Police Department Special Investigations Unit,” Strange said.
He said detectives “developed information” that led to the identification of the juvenile suspect.
Strange said the department thanked residents in the area for their cooperation and assistance, as well as the Galion Fire Department and the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The chief said the investigation is ongoing.
“Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Galion Police Department at 419-468-9111 or anonymously through the tip line at 419-468-3480,” Strange said.
