Mt. Pleasant man facing arson, attempted murder charges

A Mt. Pleasant man is facing arson and attempted murder charges after allegedly setting a fire inside a residence.

On Sunday, Jan. 9, at approximately 10 a.m., the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a house on fire in the 1800 grid of Cornell Drive outside of Mt. Pleasant.

According to a news release from Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee, the initial report started the fire started in the living room of the single-family dwelling.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office along with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department arrived on scene and began an investigation.

According to McNamee, the investigation determined James Seth Ollom, 37 of Mt. Pleasant, intentionally set fire to the inside of the residence after a family disturbance.

There were occupants inside the residence when the fire was set. All occupants were able to escape the residence with only minor injuries.

Ollom has been charged with arson in the first degree and three counts of attempted murder; all charges are Class B Felonies.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Iowa State Patrol, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Comments: james.jennings@southeastiowaunion.com