ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A man was charged with arson after a fire in the middle of the night destroyed several units at a Hazelwood apartment complex.
Joseph E. Johnson, a 23-year-old Hazelwood man, was charged with first-degree arson in connection with the early morning fire.
The fire left a building full of people looking for a place to stay.
Just before 1 a.m., police were called to the 5400 block of Forest Creek Drive at the Knollwood apartment complex for a report of a fire.
Fire officials said a fire pit was left on the balcony of one of the apartments and they believe Johnson, the man who lives there, spread the fire intentionally.
Police took Johnson into custody as a person of interest before charging him. He is being treated at the hospital for an apparent self-inflicted wound.
No one was injured in the fire.
The American Red Cross is assisting any residents that were displaced due to the fire.