Executive Summary
- Roger Runyon, 38, was arrested Tuesday morning in Richmond on a felony arson warrant.
- The charges stem from a fire investigation at the 100 block of Richmond Avenue on October 5, 2025.
- Runyon is currently held at the Wayne County Jail on an $18,500 bond.
RICHMOND, Ind. — Authorities in Richmond executed an arrest warrant on Tuesday morning, taking Roger Runyon, 38, into custody in connection with a felony arson investigation stemming from an incident late last year. According to the Richmond Police Department, Runyon was apprehended in the 200 block of NW J Street without reported incident.
The arrest follows an investigation into a structural fire that occurred on October 5, 2025, in the 100 block of Richmond Avenue. Police officials stated that the warrant was the result of a collaborative inquiry conducted by Richmond Police Detective Tom Legear and Richmond Fire Department Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention Doug Gardner. Specific details regarding the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage were not immediately released in the arrest report.
Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly emphasized the gravity of the charges in a statement following the arrest. “Fire is unpredictable, and when someone sets one intentionally, they’re putting lives and property at serious risk,” Weatherly said. Following his arrest, Runyon was booked into the Wayne County Jail, where he remains held on an $18,500 bond.
It is important to note that all individuals charged with a crime, including Roger Runyon, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigative Outlook
The apprehension of the suspect marks a transition in this case from active investigation to judicial adjudication. Arson cases often require complex forensic evidence to prove intent, and the involvement of both police detectives and fire prevention specialists indicates a thorough evidentiary process. With the suspect now secured in the Wayne County Jail, the focus will likely shift to the arraignment process and the formal presentation of charges by the prosecutor’s office.
