A recent incident in Henrico, Virginia has led to the arrest of a man charged with arson after setting fire to a local car wash facility. The event unfolded on December 16, when emergency services responded to reports of smoke and flames at Splash In Car Wash on E. Parham Road. Authorities reviewed surveillance footage from both the car wash and neighboring businesses, leading to the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspect. This article delves into the details of the investigation and the actions taken by law enforcement.

Swift Response and Investigation

The fire broke out early in the morning, prompting a rapid response from local firefighters. Upon arrival, they discovered significant smoke and visible flames emanating from the roof of the car wash. Within an hour, the blaze was brought under control. Investigators meticulously examined the scene and reviewed security camera footage, which played a crucial role in identifying the perpetrator.

Detailed analysis of the video showed an individual entering the car wash bay around 8:50 a.m. on Monday. The person, later identified as Ryan Housman, was seen using a lighter to ignite large brushes within the facility. Over the course of approximately one hour, Housman repeatedly started small fires until one escalated beyond his control. His actions were captured on multiple cameras, providing critical evidence for the ongoing investigation.

Collaborative Efforts Lead to Arrest

Following the fire, Housman was observed entering a nearby Walmart store. Store staff promptly detained him on suspicion of shoplifting. During this unrelated incident, loss prevention officers noticed several lighters in Housman's backpack and burn marks on his clothing, which raised further suspicions. These observations, combined with the video evidence, provided strong grounds for the Fire Marshal’s Office to pursue charges against Housman.

The collaborative efforts between Walmart staff and Henrico Police were instrumental in apprehending the suspect. The police arrested Housman not only for arson but also for larceny and possession of illegal substances. Deputy Fire Marshal Justin Finan praised the teamwork involved, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in solving complex cases. Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Henrico Fire Marshal’s Office.