An Olean, N.Y., man has been arrested on charges of arson in connection with an early-morning fire Saturday that destroyed a Buffalo, N.Y., apartment building and displaced 18 people.
According to published and broadcast reports from Buffalo media, Roger Cornell, 63, no street address provided, was charged late Saturday for allegedly setting a fire that partially destroyed a two-story, 10-unit Bailey Avenue apartment building.
He was charged with arson, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. Investigators said Cornell used a flammable device to start the fire. No possible motive was provided for the incident.
While the fire was brought under control and no injuries were reported among 16 adults and two children in the building, two cats perished in the blaze. The victims were assisted by the American Red Cross. Damage to the building was estimated at $200,000 and $75,000 to its contents.
No additional information was available Monday from the Buffalo Police Department, lead investigators of the incident, or the Buffalo Fire Department which assisted the investigation. New York State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also helped with the investigation.