TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Firefighters are investigating a fire that broke out early in the morning in a 2-story home in the Oakland neighborhood across the street from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church that seriously injured two people.
Topeka Fire Department says around 1:15. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Topeka Police Department was called to 214 NER Chandler St. with reports of a disturbance. When they arrived, they found a house at 206 NE Chandler had been engulfed in flames.
Topeka Fire said so and AMR responded a short time later and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the house. Two adults – a boy and a girl – were found outside the house and had sustained serious injuries related to the fire.
As crews battled the fire, TPD found the adult male suspect from the previous nuisance call in the area. He was arrested and taken to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning.
As a result of the investigation, TFD indicated that Arturo R. Ramirez, 41, of Topeka, was enrolled in the Shawnee Co. Department of Corrections on:
- Attempted first-degree murder – intentional and premeditated
- Aggravated arson – substantial risk of serious bodily harm
- Danger: reckless exposure to danger, bodily harm
- Violating the protection order – abuse order
- County probation violation
- County misdemeanor probation violation
The cause of the fire was dubbed incendiary, set intentionally. The incident is also considered to be of a domestic nature and will continue to be investigated by both TFD and TPD.
Ramirez remains behind bars with no bonds listed.
