Lexington, SC – Lexington County deputies have arrested a man accused of attempting to kill two children and a woman by setting fire to a home.
Tracy Chad Russell Jr., 31, faces three counts of attempted murder and one count of second-degree arson, according to arrest warrants.
“The Lexington County Fire Service responded to a structure fire in the 100 block of Addie Lucas Road during the afternoon of June 28,” said Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. “They notified us that the fire appeared suspicious, so with the assistance of the LCFS Fire Marshals Division, we initiated an investigation.”
Investigators later determined that Russell was aware that three people were inside the house when he intentionally set it on fire using torch fuel canisters, Koon explained.
“We interviewed witnesses and those involved to confirm a timeline that is consistent with when smoke was first seen and the evidence recovered from the scene,” Koon said. “Russell left the home after starting the fire and did not return.”
Deputies arrested Russell on Wednesday in Orangeburg County. He is currently being held at the Lexington County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
