CHILLICOTHE, OH — A Chillicothe man was arrested on January 23, 2025, after allegedly setting a van on fire, which later spread to a nearby residence on Theatre Street.
At around 1:42 a.m., officers responded to 1096 Theatre St. after receiving reports of a fire. Dispatch indicated that a male suspect had set a house on fire, with the flames beginning at a van and spreading to the house. Officers identified the man as Robert Duffy, who was seen walking nearby on Renick Ave. matching the description provided by witnesses and authorities.
Upon making contact with Duffy, officers noted a strong odor of burnt clothes, and observed that he had soot in his mouth and nose, with his clothing burned and melted. Duffy admitted to being near the fire, though his explanation was unclear. “I don’t know, there were 20 people there trying to get my check, and then it was on fire,” he told police.
Security footage from a neighbor, Patrick Barrows, further implicated Duffy. The footage showed a man matching Duffy’s description running from the van, carrying two flaming items which he threw into the street. Barrows also recognized the man’s distinct walking pattern, which was consistent with Duffy’s gait. Additional footage from the homeowner, Darla Butler, confirmed Duffy’s presence near the van and his actions that night.
Duffy had been living in the van temporarily but had been kicked out by the owner of the van, James Jordan, about a week prior. According to Jordan, the van had an electric heater that needed to be plugged into the residence, but Duffy had not been allowed to access the home for heating.
As a result of his injuries, Duffy was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center for treatment of burns to his body and potential airway injuries. Duffy reportedly told a firefighter that a cigarette may have caused the fire, though he was unsure.
Following treatment, Duffy was transferred to Ohio State University Medical Center for further care. His clothing, as well as a black lighter found in his pocket, were collected as evidence.
The case has been referred to the Ross County Prosecutor’s Office for two charges of aggravated arson. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, which also led to additional fire damage when smoke was observed coming from the home’s attic later in the day.
No further updates have been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
