CHARLESTON, W.Va. Update: June 13, 2025, 3:39 –A man is in custody in connection with the fire that broke out at a Charleston apartment complex Friday morning.
Ryan Robbins was arrested Friday afternoon and charged with first degree arson. According to the criminal complaint, video from the apartment complex shows Robbins walking down the east of the Seventh-floor hallway pouring gasoline out of a red gas can. He is then seen lighting the gasoline on fire and running down the west hallway.
According to emergency crews the blaze was reported at the Vista View apartments in the 100 Block of Renaissance Circle around 5 a.m. Charleston Fire Department Captain David Hodges said that flames that were on the seventh floor was extinguished by sprinklers and suppression efforts by firefighters.
He said that four people were injured in the blaze, three of which were police officers who were helping evacuate residents.
Crews said that apartments on three floors were damaged by the smoke and water. About 20 residents are expected to be displaced.
Photo: WCHSTV