Suspicious fire damages East Toledo building

6/16/2006

A suspected arson caused about $15,000 damage to an East Toledo building, where firefighters initially were sent on a call of a man who was assaulted.

Emergency personnel were helping Salvador Garcia, 36, who was found lying on Fassett Street about 12:20 a.m., when two people reported smoke in the building at 324 Fassett, fire Investigator Michael Smith said. He said firefighters found the blaze, which began in a bedroom closet of a vacant, second-floor apartment where Mr. Garcia reportedly was staying.

Mr. Smith said no one saw the assault, but a man saw people running out of the building, which houses a first-floor carry-out. Mr. Garcia was treated at St. Charles Mercy Hospital, Mr. Smith said.

The crimes, which may be related, are under investigation.