The Clay County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a structure fire on Tuesday morning at approximately 8:05 a.m. in the 3000 block of Ironwood Road, Xenia. Initial reports indicated that an individual might still be inside the residence.
Upon arrival, deputies found that the fire had already been extinguished and confirmed that no one was inside the home. During the investigation, evidence suggested that the fire had been set intentionally. A suspect was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment.
Following the investigation, Clay County State’s Attorney Phillip Givens requested an arrest warrant for 56-year-old, Jeffery D. Allen of Xenia on the charge of Residential Arson. Allen was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday and remains in custody at the Clay County Jail.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Xenia and Flora Fire Protection Districts, the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office and Clay County Ambulance Service.
The investigation is ongoing.