UPDATE: Jan. 14 at 11:05 a.m.
According to court documents, 56-year-old Scottie Seeley, who was arrested and charged in connection to a fire that broke out at a London law office, appeared in court on Wednesday morning.
The documents reveal that a preliminary hearing has been set for Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. and he's being held on a $100,000 bond.
UPDATE: Jan. 13 at 6 p.m.
Police have arrested a 56-year-old man on arson charges after a fire heavily damaged a downtown London law office early Tuesday morning.
Scottie Seeley faces charges of second-degree arson and third-degree burglary in connection with the blaze at Cunnigan and Cunnigan Law Offices, located next to Cessna & Benge Law Offices, on Main Street. Fire crews spotted the fire just before 5 a.m. Tuesday.
London police found Seeley inside the burning building and transported him to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He remains in police custody and will be taken to the Laurel County Detention Center once released from the hospital.
"We go into any of these investigations with an open mind. Wondering if it was arson, if it was an intentional act, what could have been the case? We start with a clear mind, and go from there. The evidence leads us to ultimately what we've come up with," said Major Bobby Day of the London Police Department.
Investigators have not disclosed what Seeley was doing inside the building or his motive for the alleged arson.
Court documents obtained by LEX 18 reveal Seeley has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1997.
"We feel very confident, so confident that we have an arrest warrant," said Maj. Day.
The fire drew response from London City Fire Department, who discovered the blaze while responding to an unrelated fire call. Emergency medical services and five assisting fire agencies also responded to the scene. Crews worked for hours to extinguish hot spots.
The building's age presented additional challenges for firefighters battling the flames.
"This is possibly one of the oldest buildings in the city of London. It's been remodeled several different times and with different construction. We're just trying to make sure it's completely out before we depart," said London City Fire Assistant Chief Brandon Wagers.
The investigation continues with assistance from the State Fire Marshal's Office.
UPDATE: Jan. 13 at 1 p.m.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Major Bobby Day reported that 56-year-old Scottie Seeley has been charged with second-degree arson and third-degree burglary in connection to the structure fire in London.
Authorities confirmed that Seeley was the man who was pulled out of the building by fire crews.
Day detailed that upon arrival, fire crews initiated "interior fire suppression operations" and found a man inside. He was taken to a Lexington hospital for treatment.
Detectives with the London Police Department began an investigation into the fire. Following the preliminary investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Seeley.
UPDATE: Jan. 13 at 11:30 a.m.
According to London Mayor Randall Weddle, the structure fire on Main Street has been extinguished, but crews remain on scene to address any hot spots on Tuesday morning.
Mayor Weddle says the London Fire Department is assisting property managers in salvaging items.
According to Mayor Weddle, crews hope to reopen Main Street in a few more hours.
Original Story:
London Mayor Randall Weddle reports that Main Street is closed between Third Street and Fifth Street due to a structure fire on Tuesday morning.
The London Fire Department, according to Mayor Weddle, has pulled one person out of the fire, who was then sent to a Lexington hospital. Weddle added that the individual "is in good condition."
According to Mayor Weddle, several agencies are on the scene working to extinguish the fire, and the area should be avoided.
Mayor Weddle says that the duration of the closure is unknown at this time and that alternate routes should be used.
The London Police Department says it has "notified the Laurel County School System and is coordinating closely with the Laurel County School Police to ensure the safety of students."
London police add that due to the road closure, "there is a potential for traffic disruptions that may result in delays for student transportation.
Battalion Chief Brandon Wagers released the following statement regarding the fire:
“Proud of our crews. First-arriving firefighters made entry under heavy conditions and successfully removed an occupant from the structure. This is exactly why we are here for the community! Prayers for the person that was pulled out.”
This is a developing story. Check back for the latest updates.
