Man charged in shed, RV arson

Richard Michael Simpson

Richard Michael Simpson, 48, of New Albany, has been charged with third-degree arson in the burning of a shed and RV earlier this week.

Union County 911 received a call about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, concerning a structure fire involving a storage shed with a recreational vehicle located inside at 1081 County Road 77 in the North Haven community.

North Haven and Myrtle Fire Departments were immediately dispatched to the scene. Deputies with the Union County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call as well to assist the fire departments.

Once on scene, North Haven Fire Department units observed a fully involved structure fire and received information that someone could possibly still be inside the RV. At that time, it was requested that New Albany Rescue be dispatched to the scene for additional resources and manpower.

Once the scene was under control, it was determined that no one was inside the structure.

At that time the sheriff’s office gathered information on the person, who reportedly lived in the RV, to try and locate him.  The subject, identified as Richard Michael Simpson, 48, of New Albany, was located safely shortly after units cleared the scene.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that Simpson had deliberately set the fire and left the premises. Simpson was arrested by the Union County Sheriff’s Office and Investigators charged him with 3^rddegree arson.  He also had an arrest warrant for contempt of court with Union County Justice Court. His bond was set at $5,000 for the arson charge.

“Due to the cooperation and good working relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Departments, thankfully this arson case was resolved very quickly and efficiently with the arrest of Richard Simpson,” Chief Deputy Baron Baker said.