Feb 02, 2023

Suspect accused of setting Kan. house fire that injured two

Posted Feb 02, 2023 3:00 AM
Ramirez-photo Shawnee Co.
Ramirez-photo Shawnee Co.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an intentionally set house fire that resulted in two people being seriously injured.

Just after 1a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to 214 NE Chandler Street in reference to an unknown individual causing a disturbance outside of the home, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Crews on the scene of the fire-photo courtesy WIBW TV
Crews on the scene of the fire-photo courtesy WIBW TV

When officers arrived, they observed a large house fire at 206 NE Chandler Street and requested the response of Topeka Fire crews and American Medical Response.

Fire crews found a man and woman outside the house suffering from serious fire-related injuries, according to Nichols.

While fire crews were performing an offensive fire attack on the house, police located an adult male suspect in the area from the earlier disturbance.

Police took the suspect identified as Arturo R. Ramirez, 41, Topeka  was  into custody and transported him to the Law Enforcement Center to be interviewed.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested Ramirez and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 1st degree: Intentional and premeditated, Aggravated Arson: Substantial Risk To Great Bodily Endangerment; Reckless Expose to Danger, Bodily Harm, Violate protection order, Abuse order per KSA 60-3105, 60-3106, 60-3107, Probation County On Felony and Probation Violation County Misdemeanor.

The cause of the fire has been determined by fire investigators as incendiary; intentionally set in connection with a domestic incident, according to the Topeka Fire Department.