(Fremont Co) Two men were arrested in connection with an arson that occurred in Anderson, Iowa in June of 2020.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office says on June 22, 2020, fire departments and investigators were called to 306th Avenue in Anderson for a report of two separate buildings on fire. The investigation determined that two separate structures were independently set on fire, and one of the structures was occupied at the time the fire was set. The occupant was able to escape the fire without injury.
Today, (February 10, 2023), the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office arrested 56-year-old Charles Ray Welch, of Anderson, Iowa, and 32-year-old Tyler Ward, of Riverton, Iowa after an ongoing investigation. Both were arrested at their residences without incident.
Welch was placed under arrest for:
Solicitation to Commit a Felony, A Class D Felony
Arson 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
Arson 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony
Welch is being held at the Fremont County Jail on $55,000 cash only bond.
Ward was placed under arrest for:
Arson 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
Arson 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony
Ward is being held at the Fremont County Jail on $50,000 cash only bond.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Iowa Fire Marshall’s Office with the investigation at the scene.
Disclaimer: A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.