Lexington Man Accused of Setting House on Fire with 2 Children, 1 Woman Inside

In a shocking incident, a Lexington man has been arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder and second-degree arson. Tracy Chad Russell Jr., 31, is accused of intentionally setting fire to a house with two children and a woman inside.

The Incident

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) provided details of the incident during a press conference on Wednesday. The tragedy unfolded on June 28 in the 100 block of Addie Lucas Road. The Lexington County Fire Service (LCFS) quickly responded to the scene to extinguish the house fire.

The LCFS Fire Marshals Division initiated an investigation after being initially informed about the suspicious nature of the fire. An occupant inside the house reportedly disclosed to authorities that she had no relation with Russell, yet she has strong reasons to believe that he intentionally ignited the fire in the master bedroom.

Suspicious Behavior

The arrest warrants shed light on Russell’s eerie behavior prior to the incident. It has come to light that he was living in the same residence. The occupant who gave the first testimony revealed that Russell had been exhibiting erratic behavior, pacing around the home and acting agitated. He allegedly ranted about going to drink, took a black bag with unknown contents, and left the home. As per the arrest warrant, before leaving the house, Russell was “drunkenly lashing out”, and reportedly headed towards the area where the fire was later discovered.

Discovery of the Fire

After Russell’s abrupt departure, one of the children noticed smoke emanating from the kitchen. This alarming sight led the occupants to the master bedroom which was ablaze. The subsequent police investigation revealed that Russell allegedly used torch fuel canisters to set the fire.

Tough Consequences

Russell has since been taken to the Lexington County Detention Center. His bond was denied during a hearing conducted on Wednesday. The swift actions of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in apprehending the suspect, coupled with their dedicated investigative work, highlights the weight and seriousness of the charges brought.

The Future

While no loss of life was reported in this grave incident, the psychological impact on the innocent victims will likely linger on. Incidents like these raise an alarm about the need for community vigilance and active participation in neighborhood watch activities. It is essential to stay attentive to any unusual behaviors or suspicious activities in the neighborhood, and promptly report them to the authorities. Only through shared responsibility and concerted efforts can a community ensure the safety and wellbeing of its members.

This incident and the swift subsequent arrest is also a reminder that law enforcement agencies are consistently working to protect their communities, and will not hesitate to take decisive action against those engaging in dangerous, criminal behavior.