Man charged after setting fire inside of Bowling Green Towers

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – One man has been arrested after allegedly causing a fire inside of Bowling Green Towers.

According to the Bowling Green Police Department, officers responded just after midnight Sunday to Bowling Green Towers to assist the Bowling Green Fire Department.

Police say upon arrival, they made contact with the fire department on the 15th floor, where 38-year-old James Short of Bowling Green was escorted from his residence.

Police say Short lunged at one officer as if he would assault him and resisted arrest.

Short was transported to a hospital for medical clearance.

Upon execution of a search warrant for the residence, police say they found a butane can, a lighter and a cardboard box with charred clothes.

Police say neighboring units had residents inside at the time of the fire.

According to the citation, a Bowling Green Fire Department fire inspector stated he believes the fire “was intentional and caused by the lighter.”

Police say there was standing water in the hallway and several other apartments due to the sprinkler system.

In addition, police say they found a butane lighter refill in Short’s pocket.

Short was transported to the Warren County Regional Jail. He faces charges of first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree wanton endangerment, third-degree arson, menacing and resisting arrest.