Columbus man accused of arson after Friday fire

A Columbus man is being accused of arson after a fire at a building on 22nd Street was intentionally set.

According to the Columbus Police Department, witnesses saw a man start a fire at the site in the 1800 block of 22nd Street at just before 2 p.m. Friday, before taking off on a bicycle. Bystanders were able to put most of the fire out with extinguishers before it had spread far, police say. The investigation revealed that oil and tar paper had been stacked against the building and lit on fire, damaging the siding. More flammable material was also stacked up and ready to be lit.

Police located a man matching the description nearby and 66-year-old David Frank was found to have oil and ash on his clothing. Police also found information that suggested Frank was involved in a vehicle fire earlier in the week.

He was arrested on two felony counts of arson.