Man charged with arson in Harrison Twp. apartment fire that displaced 24

Fire at Meadows of Catalpa in Harrison Township, Friday morning, Feb. 7, 2025. MARSHALL GORBY\STAFF

Fire at Meadows of Catalpa in Harrison Township, Friday morning, Feb. 7, 2025. MARSHALL GORBY\STAFF

A man is facing arson charges after he reportedly burned his girlfriend’s clothes, resulting in a fire that displaced approximately 24 people in Harrison Twp.

Chaunsay Tinsley, 36, was charged with two counts of aggravated arson in Vandalia Municipal Court. His bond was set at $250,000 last week.

“Due to the early morning hours the fire created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to sleeping tenants and first responders attempting to help evacuate the building,” an affidavit read.

On Friday, Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies responded to the 4100 block of Camargo Drive, at the Meadows of Catalpa apartments, after a woman reported her boyfriend was burning her clothes.

Chaunsay Tinsley. Photo courtesy Miami Valley Jails.

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She called 911 dispatchers around 3:41 a.m. saying her boyfriend sent her pictures of him setting her clothes on fire, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch records.

He reportedly set the clothes on fire after they got into an argument.

Deputies arrived and could see and smell smoke in the area.

Smoke was coming from the apartment and there were flames in the open attic access in front of the door, according to court records.

Tinsley reportedly refused to answer when deputies knocked on the door and said he was fine and there was no fire.

Deputies notified the Harrison Twp. Fire Department and evacuated the apartment building.

Deputies tried to contact Tinsley again and when he didn’t answer they attempted to kick in the door. Tinsley then answered and again said there wasn’t a fire, according to court documents.

He was taken into custody and booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

No injuries were reported.

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