Boardman police investigate arson

BOARDMAN

Township police and fire officials are investigating a fire at a Cook Avenue apartment building as an arson. 

Officials responded to 890 Cook Ave. about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to a police report, as residents were evacuating. 

Everyone made it out safely and there were no injuries, according to police. 

Officials believe an unidentified suspect may have intentionally started the fire in one apartment unit in connection with an altercation at the same residence May 3. 

Police also discovered that a couch inside the residence in question was slashed, the victim's dogs had been released from their kennel, and that dresser drawers were missing. 

Police are investigating the case as an aggravated arson and burglary, both of which are felonies of the first-degree.