Man arrested in arson fire at Wesleyan Road home

photo Arson tile

A man seen walking around a burning house on Wesleyan Road with a gas can has been charged with arson and aggravated assault, authorities said.

Richard Lee Dillon, 55, had argued with his girlfriend, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Janice Atkinson said in a news release.

Deputies were called to the home at 5104 Wesleyan Road about 9 p.m. Saturday along with the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department.

Witnesses saw smoke and fire coming from the house and a man walking around with a gas can, Atkinson said.

They arrested Dillon on charges of aggravated assault, aggravated arson, felony reckless endangerment false imprisonment and interference with emergency calls. He was booked into the Hamilton County Jail on $105,000 bond pending a March 4 court appearance.

The homeowner estimated the fire damage at $100,000, Atkinson said.

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