Harrison Township, OH – A 36-year-old man has pleaded guilty after burning a woman’s clothes moments before setting fire to an apartment, authorities confirmed.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Chaunsay Tinsley was indicted by a grand jury in February and entered a guilty plea on Tuesday to a misdemeanor count of arson, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer Buschur explained:
“After the Harrison Township Fire Marshal submitted his final report on the cause of the fire, charges of aggravated arson were no longer supported by the evidence. A misdemeanor count of arson is the appropriate charge in this matter.”
Tinsley’s sentencing is scheduled for September 25.
The Fire Incident
The incident occurred on February 7 at the 4100 block of Camargo Drive. The fire prompted the evacuation of all 24 units in the building, and several units were destroyed.
When firefighters arrived, the flames had already been extinguished inside the apartment but had spread to the attic, complicating the response.
Investigation Findings
The Harrison Township Fire Marshal determined that structural issues with the building’s fireplaces contributed to how the fire spread.
The apartment management, The Meadows of Catalpa, stated that residents had been instructed not to use the fireplaces, but there was no evidence that Tinsley had received such a warning, the prosecutor’s office said.
Authorities confirmed that the fire began after Tinsley burned the woman’s clothes inside the unit, which ultimately led to the apartment fire.
Community Safety Reminder
Officials urge residents to follow building safety guidelines, especially regarding fireplace use and flammable materials, to prevent similar incidents.
How can communities improve awareness and prevent residential fires caused by negligence or arson? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
