SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged arson fire and have a suspect in custody.
Just before 7p.m. Monday, fire crews responded to the report of a house fire at 710 SW Polk Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.
Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from a two-story home. Due to the advanced fire conditions, fire crews began a defensive fire attack in an attempt to keep the fire contained to a single home. The fire did cause damage three other buildings before firefighters could bring it under control.
Neighbors reported there were possible people in the residence. Additionally, neighbors reported a person running from the building.
Officers from the Topeka Police Department were able to locate the individual who was seen running from the house. A Topeka Fire Investigator arrived with Officers and began to question the individual.
The suspect identified as 27-year-old Nathaniel Stanton told investigators that all occupants of the house were able to escape before the fire department’s arrival.
The Topeka Fire Department Investigation Unit and investigators from the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshall responded to the scene to perform an origin and cause scene investigation.
That investigation indicates the cause of the fire as incendiary, intentionally set. Police arrested Stanton and booked into jail on requested charges that include 3 counts of Arson and 1 count of Criminal Trespass. The home was vacant and had sustained damage from 2 previous fires. The estimated dollar loss – $14,670, all associated with structural loss.