Jail inmate accused of setting fire in his cell

12/13/2013

An inmate at the Lucas County jail was charged with arson Thursday after officials say he started a fire in his cell Wednesday night, causing minor damage and suffering minor burns.

It's not clear how George Papuchike, 33, of 340 S. Reynolds Rd. started the fire in his cell in the medical area, said Lucas County sheriff's Capt. John Sylvester.

He is to be arraigned today in Toledo Municipal Court.

The captain said investigators did not find any batteries or lighters that could have ignited the blanket and letters that were set ablaze in the one-man cell. It's also not clear why he allegedly lit the fire, the captain said.

Mr. Papuchike suffered “superficial burns” on his hands and was taken to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center for treatment. He was released several hours later.

Corrections officers noticed smoke coming from the cell during shift change on Wednesday — some time between 3:30 and 4 p.m.

“Everyone in 2 Medical is locked down for shift change, so he started this after he was locked down,” Captain Sylvester said. “They [the officers] saw it and within a minute or so they were on scene and in there and removing him from the area.”

Mr. Papuchike was charged with burglary in Toledo Municipal Court and booked into the Lucas County jail on Dec. 9. He remained in the jail late Thursday in lieu of $50,000 bond.