Larry Jones, photo courtesy of the Marlboro County Sheriff's Office
BENNETTSVILLE -- Bennettsville police have charged Larry Jones with second degree arson.
Investigator Larry Turner says Jones heads the maintenance department at Grace Apartments on Highway 15-401 and set fire to one of the apartments, Tuesday night.
A woman and her small child lived in the unit that was torched, but were able to safely get out through a back door without being harmed.
Investigator Turner says Jones was still on scene when firefighters were battling the fire.
He says fire officials knew something wasn't right and called in police to investigate.
Turner says the evidence pointed at Jones and he was arrested.
He remains at the Marlboro County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.
In all, six units were damaged with fire, smoke and water. Total estimate of damages is around $20,000.
The Pee Dee Chapter of the American Red Cross is helping the families affected by the fire.
The organization provided the families with temporary shelter, until they can find permanent housing.
