LEXINGTON, S.C. — Lexington County deputies have arrested a man they say tried to kill two children and a woman in a house fire.
Tracy Chad Russell, 31, is charged with three counts of attempted murder and a count of arson in the second degree, according to arrest warrants.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said that on June 28, Lexington County fire services responded to a house fire. Firefighters saw something that made them think the fire's origins were suspicious, so they brought in the Lexington County Sheriff's Department and the Lexington County Fire Marshals Division to start an investigation.
Deputies said investigators determined Russell knew the three people were inside the house and that he intentionally set the fire using torch fuel canisters.
“We talked with witnesses, and those involved, to confirm a timeline that is supported by when smoke was seen and the evidence recovered from the scene,” Koon said. “Russell left the home after the fire and didn’t return to the property.”
Deputies arrested Russell Wednesday in Orangeburg County.
He’s being held in the Lexington County Detention Center while he awaits a bond hearing.