(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau has arrested a Waverly man in connection to an intentionally set fire at a barn in Pike County.
David Herrmann, 56, of Waverly, was arrested Tuesday and charged with arson, a fourth-degree felony, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony, for allegedly setting fire to a barn at 898 Howard Road in Waverly shortly before 2 a.m. Tuesday.
The Waverly Fire Department responded to the scene and was able to extinguish the blaze before the structure was destroyed. Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s office identified multiple areas of origin inside the barn, and utilized K-9 Finnegan, who indicated the presence of accelerants at the various origins.
“The efforts by all those involved to secure an arrest so quickly after the fire are truly a testament to the importance of collaboration between local and state agencies,” said State Fire Marshal Jeff Hussey. “I couldn’t be prouder of our investigators on this case, and I offer my sincere gratitude to the Waverly Fire Department and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.”
The case is being forwarded to the Pike County Prosecutor’s Office where additional charges will be pending against Herrmann.
