DAYTON — Update: 4/29/2018 @ 2:15 p.m.
Police have arrested 36-year-old Sarah Jones in connection to a house fire on 228 Clover St.
Sarah Jones was arrested Friday on charges of aggravated arson and booked into Montgomery County Jail Saturday.
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The victim of the fire has not been identified and his involvement is still under investigation.
Dayton Fire Department District Chief David Wright said the victim and Jones were trapped inside the house at the time of the fire.
According to police, witnesses saw Jones flee the scene after escaping through the window.
The home sustained "substantial damage,” according to the police report.
Update: 4/27/2018 @ 10:05 p.m.
One male victim has been treated in a house fire at 228 Clover St.
The victim, a homeless man who has not been identified, was taken to a nearby hospital and did not sustain any life-threatening injuries.
Dayton Fire Department District Chief David Wright said the victim and another person were trapped inside the house at the time of the fire.
“As they were awaiting our arrival, bystanders noticed someone trying to make their way out but the fire was between them and the exit,” said Wright. “They assisted him through a window that was boarded up and did a very good job of getting that person out.”
Wright said a name and description of the other person has been given, and will be located and questioned for possible arson.
Whether or not the victim contributed to arson is currently under investigation.
Two cats were also rescued from the home.
One was administered oxygen and the other ran away.
Wright said both cats are believed to be OK.
Leslie Sherwood, president of the Twin Towers Neighborhood Association, says the neighborhood has had ongoing problems with homeless people entering abandoned homes and starting fires.
“We are seeing a disturbing trend where we have a lot of vagrancy and homeless getting into these houses, which has not been addressed or taken care of by the city,” said Sherwood. “There have been 3 within the last year on this block of Clover, one happening just 3 weeks ago down the street.”
Sherwood said the neighborhood is trying to prevent further problems by posting signs on the homes to stay out.
“I want to let people know that the community is watching you and you will be caught,” said Sherwood.
Initial Report:
A house fire has been reported in the 200 block of Clover St. off Wayne Ave.
One victim is being treated.
We are headed to the scene and will update you with the latest.
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