Arrest Made in Monday Night Explosion, Fire

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Published on June 12 2019 9:24 am
Last Updated on June 12 2019 9:33 am
Written by Greg Sapp

An arrest has been made in the Monday night case of a fire and explosion at a garage in Effingham.

26-year-old Kenny L. Cathey of Casey is being held in Effingham County Jail. He was being held on counts of aggravated arson and criminal trespass to property, but has since been formally charged by the Effingham County State's Attorney's Office with a felony count of Residential Arson. Cathey was slated to make his initial court appearance Wednesday.

Local authorities are confirming that Cathey is the individual found at the scene outside the structure at 215 East St. Louis Avenue just before 6pm Monday. Cathey was laying on the ground outside the structure when authorities arrived. He was treated on scene by Abbott EMS and then was taken to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham. He was taken into custody at Effingham County Jail on Tuesday.

Effingham city police were first on scene at 5:50pm Monday due to a report of a structure fire and possible explosions. Police found a detached garage on fire. Effingham firefighters responded to the scene and determined the cause of the fire was incendiary.