Portsmouth Police and Firefighters were called to Walnut Street just after 7 a.m. Friday for reports of a structure fire. Fire crews quickly responded, while dispatch also notified AEP and Columbia Gas to shut off utilities. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate, and the Red Cross was brought on scene to assist displaced residents.
Witnesses at the scene told officers the fire appeared to have started on the porch. The blaze spread quickly, and residents reportedly lost everything inside.
Police detained a man at the scene, but he was first transported to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment while Fire Marshal officials stood by. Once treatment was complete, he was returned to the Scioto County Jail.
The suspect, identified as Glenn Flory, who court records list as homeless, was booked on a charge of Aggravated Arson. He has since appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court, where his arraignment was scheduled for October 13.
Authorities have not released further details about the cause or motive, but the investigation is ongoing.
