Bollinger county man to be arraigned on arson charge

A Bollinger County man will be arraigned next week after an investigation revealed he may have started a house fire.

Leslie Dean Balch, 43, is charged with second-degree arson, a felony.

An investigation at Balch's home on Rural Route 1 in Marble Hill, Missouri, revealed a fire Wednesday at the one-story, wood-frame house had started in two locations by an ingnitable liquid, according to a probable-cause statement filed in the case.

The statement went on to say the source of ignition would have to have been "applied by human hand." Investigators found a burn pattern on the floor was consistent with that of a poured flammable liquid, and appliance, utility and accidental means were eliminated as causes for the fire, the statement said.

While being interviewed Thursday at the Bollinger County Sheriff's Department, Balch said he had left an electric space heater on next to bed, the statement said. The interview concluded a short time later when Balch asked for a lawyer.

Balch is scheduled to be arriagned at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Bollinger County before Judge Scott Thomsen.

Pertinent address:

RR1 Box 457, Bollinger County, MO