Greenwood man arrested for arson, burglary at Franklin home

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

4 1 minute read

This home in the 1800 block of Main Street in Franklin was set on fire in a suspected arson attack around noon Tuesday. Photos provided by Franklin Fire

A Greenwood man was arrested on charges of arson and burglary after police say he set fire to a home in Franklin.

Myjewel E. Gills, 31, was arrested on charges of arson, burglary and endangering public safety.

Police were called to the 1800 block of Main Street around noon Tuesday for a fire at a residence. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured, said Capt. Justin Stall of the Franklin Police Department.

Franklin firefighters are dragging hoses to the scene of a house fire in the 1800 block of Main Street in Franklin Tuesday afternoon. Photos provided by Franklin Fire

At the scene, Gills was making “enthusiastic statements” that he had set the house on fire to responding officers and witnesses, Stall said.

Witnesses told police they saw him in the backyard of the residence. Police also said they found his keys on a nightstand in the bedroom, Stall said.

Police know of no apparent connection between Gills and the owners, Stall said.

Gill was booked into the Johnson County Jail around 1:04 p.m. As of Tuesday afternoon, he was being held in a padded cell, according to jail records.

There is no ongoing threat to the public and the incident is considered closed, Stall said.

Formal charges will be decided by the Johnson County Prosecutor's Office.