Man wanted for arson arrested in Simpson County

FRANKLIN, Ky. – A wanted Louisville man is in custody after driving recklessly on I-65.

Kentucky State Police says it observed a vehicle weaving through traffic and passing other cars on the right on I-65 Southbound near mile-marker 13 on Saturday evening. The car was traveling at approximately 102 MPH in a 70 MPH zone.

A trooper conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The vehicle did not have registration plates.

The driver is Markis Townsend, 34, of Louisville.

The Trooper says a bag of suspected marijuana was found on Townsend and a half-empty jar of liquor was found in the car.

During the investigation, it was determined that Townsend had a warrant for a case out of Louisville in October 2021.

According to court documents, Townsend allegedly intentionally set a stolen vehicle on fire. Townsend is charged with second-degree arson in this case.

KSP arrested Townsend following the traffic stop and charged him with speeding 26 MP or > speed limit (limited access), reckless driving, possession of marijuana, no registration plates, no registration receipt, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, and improper passing.

Townsend is lodged in the Simpson County Detention Center.