Arson Arrest

On August 23rd, 2008 at approximately 9:06 PM Martinsburg Police and Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 109 Centre Street Martinsburg WV. The residence was occupied by at least two female residents at the time of the fire. No one was injured in this fire.

Upon investigation the fire was ruled an arson by Fire Investigator Gregg Hoover and it appeared that it started on or beneath the front porch of the residence.

Martinsburg Police officers Sgt M. Zollinger, Ptlm D. English and Ptlm E. Neely were able to identify witnesses that advised them of an individual speaking about starting the fire and also other information regarding his involvement. These witnesses were later identified and statements were taken from them.

A warrant charging a suspect with First Degree Arson was obtained by Det. Lt. GB Swartwood from State Magistrate Joan Bragg. It alleges in the complaint for warrant that the defendant told a witness that he started the fire by lighting some type of fuse on the porch of the residence and then fleeing from the fire and going home to his residence to change clothes.

Martinsburg police officers after obtaining this warrant arrested the suspect at his residence at approximately 2:00 AM on August 24th 2008 without incident. The defendant was taken into custody and processed at the Martinsburg Police Department and later transported to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment later in the morning.



Arrested: Allen Keith Starcher DOB 08 22 63 of 117 North Centre Street Martinsburg WV