By Corey Jones
Topeka Capital Journal – October 10, 2013
Occupants of an East Topeka home late Tuesday extinguished a small fire inside the residence, and a man less than two hours later was arrested after authorities determined the flames were intentionally set.
No injuries were reported in what Topeka fire Investigator Alan Stahl said was a “very small fire” set to one of the dwelling’s rooms.
Emergency personnel were sent at 11:17 p.m. Tuesday to the scene, which was at 546 S.E. Burr St.
Stahl said occupants of the home discovered the flames and extinguished them. He said Glenn Elmore Rusch Jr., 28, of Topeka, was arrested for allegedly setting the fire.
Rusch was booked into the Shawnee County Jail at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday in connection with aggravated arson. Jail records indicated Rusch’s bond was set at $50,000 cash or professional surety.
A jail official said Rusch remained locked up late Wednesday afternoon.
The fire, which Stahl estimated caused $900 in damage to the home and $100 in losses to contents, was determined to be incendiary.
Stahl said the Topeka Fire Department, with the help of Topeka police officers, were able to arrest Rusch.
Stahl declined to go into details regarding the arrest or whether Rusch lived at or was acquainted with the home’s occupants, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
The property’s 2013 value was assessed at $32,400.
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