An arson suspect is behind bars after attempting to set a house on fire late Monday night.
At approximately 11 p.m., deputies responded to the 1200 block of Highway 30 on a report of a fire.
Firefighters and deputies responded to the scene and quickly determined that the fire was deliberately set. Investigators obtained a suspect description by witnesses in the area.
Deputies located evidence around the area, including a gas can that was believed to have been used in the arson.
At approximately 1:15 a.m. Tuesday, deputies located their suspect, Ronald Lee Smith, 19, of Guyton, hiding in a vehicle near Middleton Drive. Smith was taken into custody and was charged with arson in the first degree.
The residence sustained some damage to the fire around the back steps and porch area.
Smith is currently being held in the Effingham County Jail.
At approximately 11 p.m., deputies responded to the 1200 block of Highway 30 on a report of a fire.
Firefighters and deputies responded to the scene and quickly determined that the fire was deliberately set. Investigators obtained a suspect description by witnesses in the area.
Deputies located evidence around the area, including a gas can that was believed to have been used in the arson.
At approximately 1:15 a.m. Tuesday, deputies located their suspect, Ronald Lee Smith, 19, of Guyton, hiding in a vehicle near Middleton Drive. Smith was taken into custody and was charged with arson in the first degree.
The residence sustained some damage to the fire around the back steps and porch area.
Smith is currently being held in the Effingham County Jail.
