Search Results for: Fire
Man charged with murder and arson after deadly Columbia fire
Man charged with murder and arson after deadly Columbia fire
COLUMBIA, MO — Brandon Butchkoski, 47, faces murder and arson charges after allegedly setting Donovan Baylis, 31, ablaze on his own porch, leading to fatal injuries. The incident occurred on June 15 shortly before midnight at a residence on Paris Road.
According to court documents, multiple residents reported a series of fires at the same location. Police suspect Butchkoski is linked to at least three fire incidents, which involved the use of backpacks filled with accelerants.
On the night of the incident, Baylis reportedly went outside to extinguish a fire on the porch, which had been ignited by Butchkoski. Witnesses stated that Baylis became engulfed in flames while attempting to put out the fire.
Another resident described hearing and seeing Baylis on fire and intervened using a garden hose. The court documents indicate that Baylis sat on a retaining wall before collapsing.
Witnesses reported a gas can was positioned on the porch railing at the time of the fire. Butchkoski allegedly fled the scene on a BMX-style bike.
On June 29, Butchkoski returned to the residence and allegedly started another fire by throwing an accelerant-filled backpack onto the roof. He was arrested on July 3, initially charged with arson.
Additional charges were filed after Baylis died from his injuries on July 14. Prosecutors charged Butchkoski last week with second-degree murder and first-degree arson. He is currently in custody awaiting his court date.
Butchkoski has a history of legal troubles, including several drug arrests and charges of unlawful possession of a firearm.
With a series of fire incidents and a tragic death, this case continues to unfold in Columbia.
Hagerstown man arrested after setting fire in storage unit, injuring woman
Hagerstown man arrested after setting fire in storage unit, injuring woman
HAGERSTOWN, MD — A Hagerstown man was arrested for allegedly setting a fire inside a storage unit that resulted in injuries to a female victim early Thursday morning. Authorities report that the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Leviathan Godwin, engaged in an argument with the victim prior to the incident.
Emergency responders from Halfway Volunteer Fire Company received a call about a building fire at Halfway Self Storage located at 17324 Virginia Avenue at approximately 8:00 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find an 8-by-40-foot storage unit engulfed in flames but managed to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby units.
Deputy State Fire Marshals quickly arrived on the scene and learned that the victim, who lived in the storage unit, had to escape through flames after Godwin allegedly ignited the fire with the intention of killing her. Fire officials transported the victim to Meritus Medical Center for smoke inhalation treatment.
Deputies distributed a photo of Godwin in the vicinity, leading to a sighting at a nearby Sheetz convenience store where he was taken into custody without incident. “I am grateful that the victim sustained only minor injuries,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.
Godwin faces multiple charges including first and second-degree arson, attempted second-degree murder, and reckless endangerment. He is currently held at the Washington County Detention Center.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds the public that storage units are not suitable for habitation and can pose safety risks. Officials encourage individuals experiencing homelessness to seek safer housing options.
A Hagerstown man faces serious charges after allegedly attempting to kill a woman in a fire, marking a potential tragedy that left a victim injured but alive.
Parkville High School student arrested after bringing firearm to school
Parkville High School student arrested after bringing firearm to school
PARKVILLE, MD — A 16-year-old student has been charged as an adult following an incident at Parkville High School on a recent Thursday. The arrest occurred around 11:30 a.m. when officials responded to the 2600 block of Putty Hill Ave.
Administrators reported that the student ran away as they attempted to search the student’s book bag. Witnesses claim they saw what appeared to be the handle of a handgun as the student exited the school premises.
A School Resource Officer quickly apprehended the student. After the arrest, police discovered an unloaded firearm discarded nearby.
During a thorough search of the area, officers also found a magazine that had been left behind. The student now faces charges related to possession of a handgun.
Law enforcement is committed to maintaining safety within the school environment. The incident underscores the continued vigilance required by school officials and law enforcement.
The teenager is currently being processed as an adult under handgun violations.
In a statement regarding the incident, school officials ensure that proper measures are in place for student safety.
This situation highlights the challenges schools face concerning security and student behavior.
Firefighters Battle Blaze at Stamford High-Rise
Firefighters Battle Blaze at Stamford High-Rise
STAMFORD, CT—Fire broke out in a downtown Stamford apartment building at 444 Bedford Street on Tuesday night. Stamford firefighters were dispatched at 11:41 p.m. and arrived on the scene in under three minutes to find smoke and fire visible from the building’s top floor.
Engine 1 and Truck 1 from Central Fire Headquarters, along with a Stamford Public Safety drone unit, provided valuable video footage to the Combined Emergency Communications Center. The Shift Commander escalated the situation to a second alarm, mobilizing more fire units to the scene.
In total, 5 Engine Companies, 3 Truck Companies, and 1 Heavy Rescue Company, along with two Deputy Chiefs, responded. With 40 fire department personnel engaged, the fire was brought under control in 25 minutes, with the majority of the damage contained to its origin area.
Firefighters remained for an additional hour, assisting the Stamford Fire Marshal’s Office in their ongoing investigation. Support was also provided by Stamford Emergency Medical Services, Training, and Mechanical Divisions.
No injuries were reported among firefighters or residents. Deputy Chief Matt Palmer noted, “Due to the time of day and location of this fire, the immediate efforts of Stamford firefighters prevented any injuries to the residents of this building.”
Swift action by Stamford firefighters prevented a potentially devastating scenario.
