PINEY VIEW, W.Va. — A Raleigh County man is behind bars after allegedly setting his wife’s home on fire Monday.
The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office announced late Monday they arrested Ronald Morton, 54 of Beaver, in connection with the crime. Investigators believe an earlier argument between Morton and his wife led to him setting the New Caledonia Street residence on fire.
The fire, first reported at around four Monday morning, shut down W.Va. 41 (Stanaford Road) for several hours. As a result, three school bus routes were delayed and another one was cancelled, according to Raleigh County Schools’ website.
Beaver, Mabscott and Mount Hope Volunteer Fire Departments responded. They began leaving the scene at around nine that morning.
Later Monday, a Raleigh County Sheriff’s deputy located Morton’s vehicle swerving on the East Beckley Bypass. The vehicle was stopped after striking an assisting deputy’s vehicle.
Morton faces a charge of first degree arson and fleeing while driving under the influence. He is currently being held at the Southern Regional Jail in Raleigh County under $75,000 bond.