A Russellville man was indicted for allegedly setting fire to another man’s home, officials said.
Isaias Morales Castillo, 28, 602 Gargus St., Russellville, was indicted for first-degree arson, Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said.
According to Rushing, the indictment stems from an incident that took place during the second week in January.
Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said the sheriff’s office received a call that someone had attempted to set fire to a home on Cedar Creek Road in Russellville.
Oliver said witness reports stated that earlier in the evening, the homeowner said he had gotten into a verbal argument with Castillo, who appeared to be intoxicated at the time.
Oliver said the homeowner stated he advised Castillo to leave and when he complied, he and his family went to bed.
“During the night, the victim said he heard a noise outside his home and when he went to see what it was, he saw that his carport was in flames,” Oliver said.
“The victim said he then saw the suspect fleeing from the scene in his vehicle.”
Oliver said the victim was able to get the flames extinguished, which had consumed his carport, the steps leading to his home and the hood of his car.
Once investigators arrived on the scene, Oliver said they believed the area had been doused in gasoline before it had caught fire.
“We called in the Russellville Fire Department, who assisted us in the arson investigation,” Oliver said. “When investigators had gathered enough information, we were able to arrest Castillo.”
Oliver said Castillo had been turned over to the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).