UPDATE: Man charged with arson in Middleport business fire
MIDDLEPORT, Ohio (WSAZ) -- A man has been arrested in connection with a fire that destroyed two businesses in downtown Middleport, Ohio.
The fire was reported just after 10 p.m. Monday along Coal Street near North 2nd Avenue.
The fire was contained to two buildings. A carpet business and another business on the first floor of each building were destroyed.
None of the apartments above the businesses were occupied, but they were also destroyed. Some of the vacant apartments were being used for storage.
According to the Middleport Police Department, 31-year-old Keith R. Day of Middleport was arrested and charged with aggravated arson.
"I've never thought anybody would commit arson on my property I would have felt better if I had faulty wiring or something," York Ingels said.
Ingels lost his family business of 33 years, Ingels Carpet, in the flames. He says he doesn't know why someone would target his business.
"That he would pick my store and decide to kill what I spent 33 years to build. It's a little frustrating," he said.
Ingels said he's not sure if his family will rebuild the business.
"I'm 53 now and I don't know if I want to take on the undertaking," Ingels said. "Like I said, we'll put it in God's hands and see which way he leads us."
MIDDLEPORT, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The Meigs County Sheriff tells WSAZ that one person is in custody for questioning in connection with a fire that destroyed two businesses in downtown Middleport, Ohio.
Sheriff Keith Wood did not release any other information.
The fire was reported just after 10 p.m. Monday along Coal Street near North 2nd Avenue.
The fire was contained to two buildings. A carpet business and another business on the first floor of each building were destroyed.
None of the apartments above the businesses were occupied, but they were also destroyed. Some of the vacant apartments were being used for storage.
The State Fire Marshal is on scene. The Middleport Fire Chief says the fire looks suspicious.
York Ingels, the owner of Ingels Carpet, tells WSAZ he has owned the business for 33 years. After hearing the fire was suspicious, he said he never imagined someone would burn it down.
At this point, he says it's took early to determine if they will rebuild. He tells WSAZ both buildings will have to be demolished.
The fire damaged phone lines in the area. Middleport Police say their phone lines will be down for about a week due to the fire. If you need to contact police, you are asked to call 911 or the Sheriff's Office at 740-992-3371.
Firefighters from the Middleport, Rutland, Syracuse, Racine, Mason and New Haven Fire Departments were called to the scene.
Keep clicking on WSAZ mobile and WSAZ.com for the latest information.
MIDDLEPORT, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The Middleport Fire Department remains on the scene of a multiple apartment building fire from Monday night.
There have no been reports of injuries as of Tuesday morning.
Dispatchers say the fire department is handling the fire and will release further details later today.
Keep clicking on WSAZ Mobile and WSAZ.com for the latest information.
MIDDLEPORT, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Crews from multiple departments are battling an apartment building fire late Monday near the intersection of Coal Street and North 2nd Avenue, Meigs County 911 dispatchers say.
The fire was reported just after 10 p.m. Monday.
Two apartments are reported to be on fire, and the flames have burned through phone lines.
Crews from Middleport, Pomeroy, Rutland, Mason, Racine and New Haven fire departments are on the scene.
Additional details are unavailable late Monday night.
Keep clicking on WSAZ Mobile and WSAZ.com for the latest on this story.
