Sikeston police: Man set apartment on fire during domestic incident

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man faces charges that include first-degree arson in connection with a Monday night confrontation with his girlfriend.

According to a news release issued by Capt. Jim McMillen of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, Kenneth L. Davis, 29, was arrested Tuesday and charged by the Scott County Prosecutor's Office with first-degree arson, second-degree domestic assault and felonious restraint.

The charges stem from an incident at about 11 p.m. in an apartment at 534 Matthews St., where police say an argument escalated between Davis and a 27-year-old woman. McMillen said Davis turned over a bed in the apartment and set it on fire, and during the altercation a blanket also caught fire. McMillen said Davis held the woman, but she was able to break free. She attempted to take the burning blanket out of the apartment but was pushed by Davis. The blanket fell inside the home and the victim fell out a door. The apartment became engulfed in flames, the release said.

Fire crews responded and fought the fire, but the apartment was badly damaged, according to the release. Six other apartment units also were affected by the blaze, according to the American Red Cross, which was helping those displaced by the fire.

Davis, who had left the scene, laster was arrested. The woman sustained injuries to her arm.

Davis was held on a $2,500 cash-only bond. He didn't have an attorney Tuesday afternoon, according to online court records.

Pertinent address:

534 Matthews St., Sikeston, Mo.