The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a house fire on Wilbur James Road and a Hanson man has been charged with arson and attempted murder.
According to a news release, officers responded to the 500 block of Wilber James Road in Manitou for reports of a fire. Contact was made with the victim, who informed officers he had heard a loud boom and when he investigated, he found his front porch and door engulfed in flames. He had to jump through the flames to escape the residence and he was burned in the process.
Video surveillance at the home reportedly caught 36-year-old Tayler Adams of Hanson pouring liquid around the porch and then in front of the only door in and out of the home. Adams then allegedly sets something in his hand on fire before throwing it towards the door, causing an explosion that lights the surrounding area on fire.
Adams fled the scene but was later located and taken into custody. He was charged with first-degree arson and attempted murder and lodged in the Hopkins County Jail.