Topeka man arrested after early-morning fire dubbed arson

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Fire crews are investigating an early-morning blaze that broke out at a 2-story home in the Oakland neighborhood, across the street from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and seriously injured two.

The Topeka Fire Department says that around 1:15 .am. on Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Topeka Police Department was called to 214 NER Chandler St. with reports of a disturbance. When they arrived, they found a home at 206 NE Chandler had been engulfed in flames.

Topeka Fire said it and AMR responded a short time later and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. Two adults - a male and female - were found outside the home and had suffered serious fire-related injuries.

As crews battled the blaze, TPD found the adult male suspect from the earlier disturbance call in the area. He was arrested and taken to the Law Enforcement Center for interviews.

As a result of the investigation, TFD indicated that Arturo R. Ramirez, 41, of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections on:

• Attempted 1st-degree murder - intentional and premeditated
• Aggravated arson - substantial risk to great bodily harm
• Endangerment - reckless exposure to danger, bodily harm
• Violate protection order - abuse order
• County felony probation violation
• County misdemeanor probation violation

The cause of the fire has been dubbed incendiary - intentionally set. The incident is also considered domestic in nature and will continue to be investigated by both TFD and TPD.

Ramirez remains behind bars with no bond listed.

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