Homeless Man Accused of Arson,Vandalism in Ashland

Ashland police have accused a homeless man
of setting fire to businesses in the town's central Plaza, sending
residents of upstairs apartments clambering over rooftops to
safety.
     Police say they booked 37-year-old Raymond Lee Wilson on arson
and other charges after the fire early Monday morning.
     An officer spotted the fire in a stairwell, and firefighters
contained it within minutes. Police helped residents of two
apartments escape. Business operators said repairs will take weeks,
if not months.
     Police also accused Wilson of breaking windows at two nearby
businesses and stealing items. He was held on $1.1 million bail.
     The Ashland Daily Tidings said other homeless people reported Wilson arrived in Ashland about three weeks ago and then complained over the weekend that his backpack and medications had been stolen.

(from Associated Press)