Middletown man indicted in fire at girlfriend’s apartment

A Middletown man has been indicted for allegedly setting fire to an apartment after an argument with his girlfriend.

Bradley Bell, 23, of the 200 block of Curtis Street, is now charged with arson and obstructing official business for the June 1 fire at his residence that caused more than $100,000 in damages.

FIRST REPORT: Middletown man charged with arson after apartment fire

According to Middletown police, Bell got into an argument with his girlfriend, and she left around 3 a.m. Less than two hours later, Bell allegedly used matches and ashes to start a fire in the two-bedroom apartment.

The Middletown Fire Task Force investigated the fire, and after interviews, arrested Bell near Franklin Twp., said Lt. Jimmy Cunningham. Bell was with his girlfriend, and she isn’t facing charges at this time, Cunningham said.

A 3-year-old girl living in the apartment wasn’t at home when the fire started, Cunningham said.

The Middletown Fire Department responded to the apartment at 5 a.m. and saw flames coming from the second floor, said Fire Chief Paul Lolli. He said firefighters searched the apartment and no one was found. He said the fire was extinguished in about 15 minutes. There were no injuries, he said.

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