Multiple Louisville Men Arrested After Setting Fires, Threatening Residents

Several incidents involving men setting fires and causing damage have occurred in West Virginia and Kentucky. In Lesage, West Virginia, Richard Lee Hill admitted to setting multiple fires at Brighter Day Ministries Church, including a fellowship hall. In Louisville, Kentucky, Rafael Batista Milanes was arrested after barricading himself in an apartment, setting fires, throwing vases at police officers, and threatening residents; he had recently been released from jail under conditions prohibiting contact with the location. Milanes caused over $1,000 in damages and faces multiple charges including violation of release conditions and menacing. Additionally, Michael Thedford was arrested for allegedly setting fires to a home in Louisville's Iroquois neighborhood, endangering nearby residents and prompting evacuations; he faces charges of arson and wanton endangerment. Despite the severity of the incidents, no injuries were reported in the Louisville apartment case.