Man faces arson charge in Salem

By D.A. WILKINSON

wilkinson@vindy.com

SALEM

A man faces charges in connection with trying to burn down an apartment building.

The fire caused an estimated $70,000 in damage, according to the Salem Fire Department.

Charles Thompson, 27, is charged with aggravated arson and obstruction of official business.

A preliminary hearing was set for 1 p.m. Thursday to determine if he will be bound over to Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

About 10 people were in the apartments at 228 Vine St. There were no reports of any injuries.

David Talbert, an investigator for Salem police, said he did not know why the fire was started.

Thompson had been working as a driver for one of the local cab companies.

Talbert said that a conflict Thompson had with a cousin had moved from the apartments up the street to the area of 310 Vine St.

Thompson went back to the apartment building.

A fire was started in the center of the bed of his cousin. Talbert did not describe what was used to start the fire.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze and used fans to blow out the smoke out.

Talbert said that Thompson was not cooperating in the investigation.

Prosecutors could not be reached for comment.

The detective said that Thompson had been talking about returning to California.