Winchester apartment fire ruled arson, Suspect to be arraigned Monday
WINCHESTER, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Winchester man is facing arson charges following an apartment fire in downtown Winchester.
Billy Ross, 59, is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Clark County at 1 p.m.
According to Ross’ arrest citation — He told Winchester Police he was a resident at the ‘Sleeping Rooms’ apartment building.
He reportedly told police he set the curtains in his apartment on fire because ‘he was tired of people robbing him’.
Cell phone video captured the tense moments as heavy flames and smoke billowed from the building – while Ross reportedly sat on the sidewalk near the entrance.
Three people were transported to the hospital after being rescued from the fire that started around 10 p.m. Thursday.
The Red Cross has stepped in to help those who are displaced.
————————-
6/2/2017 5 p.m.
WINCHESTER, Ky. (WTVQ) – Winchester Police arrested Billy Ross, 59, after an apartment fire on North Main Street.
Ross is charged with first degree arson.
Three people were rescued from the fire that started around 10 p.m. Thursday.
According to his arrest citation — Ross told Winchester Police he was a resident at the ‘Sleeping Rooms’ apartment complex.
He reportedly told police he set the curtains in his apartment on fire because ‘he was tired of people robbing him’.
Cell phone video captured the tense moments as heavy flames and smoke billowed from the building – while Ross reportedly sat on the sidewalk near the entrance.
Fire crews used a ladder to evacuate several people.
An Investor told ABC 36 the building is not a complete loss, but over a dozen residents are now displaced until repairs are complete.
“It’s going to devastate them,” said investor, Eric Sparks.
“I just hate that this would’ve happened. I can’t understand why anybody would put people’s lives in jeopardy like that,” Sparks added.
The Red Cross has stepped in to help those who are displaced.
Billy Ross is scheduled to be arraigned in a Clark County Court on Monday.
Leave a Reply