Updated Wednesday morning:
Authorities have arrested a 21-year-old woman in connection with a Manhattan apartment fire .
Riley County Police Captain Tim Hegarty tells KMAN Brianna Elston was taken into custody for aggravated arson. RCPD Captain Jeff Hooper has clarified that Elston was also the injured party in the fire and was transported to the hospital for treatment and was later arrested.
As reported earlier, the Riley County Police Department said the Monday night fire was intentionally set. Bond for the Elston is set at $75,000.
Another victim identified earlier was Ashley Nuss, 31, of Manhattan who lived above where the fire was set.
The blaze did an estimated $15,000 in damage.
###
(Earlier report)
One person was injured in a Monday night fire on Walters Drive in Manhattan. And Riley County Police are saying arson may have been involved.
The Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 415 Walters Drive Apartment 911 shortly before 8:30 for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found an apartment building with smoke and flames visible on the first floor. The fire was contained within 10 minutes. A total of 19 firefighters responded on 6 fire apparatus. One occupant was transported to Via Christi by Riley County EMS for injuries related to the fire. Two dwelling units in the building were unable to be occupied overnight.
RCPD Officers filed a report for aggravated arson in that location at approximately 12:15 AM. Officers listed Ashley Nuss, 31, of Manhattan as the victim when the apartment below hers was set on fire by a known suspect
The building is a 12 unit two-story apartment building. Loss is estimated at $5,000 to contents and $10,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Matt Catanese of Wichita and the property manager is listed as Key Management of Manhattan. The fire cause is under investigation at this time.
In addition to the fire Monday night, at 12:39 Monday afternoon the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 1511 Williamsburg Drive for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found a two story town home with light smoke exiting the structure. Upon meeting with the occupants who were outside structure, firefighters were advised that the fire in the basement was believed to be extinguished. Firefighters entered the structure and confirmed the fire was out, located and removed one cat, and ventilated the structure. A total of 16 firefighters responded on 6 fire apparatus with the last units clearing at 2:00 pm.
The home was occupied by one individual at the time of the fire. The occupant was checked for smoke inhalation but refused any treatment. Loss is estimated at $3,000 to contents and $10,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Charles and Patricia Hughes of Manhattan, Kansas. The fire cause was determined to be accidental due to a faulty computer.
