During the course of a criminal investigation this afternoon Danville Police went to 243 Wooding Avenue in an attempt to talk to a man. They did not have any arrest warrants for him. Officers knocked at the door but received no answer. Information was received that the man was inside and ignoring the officers' attempt to speak to him. Subsequent contact with a family member indicated that the man was also mentally ill and may harm himself. Additional police personnel were called and responded.
While continuing to make attempts at contacting the man, police officers noticed a fire had started inside. The Danville Fire Department and Danville Life Saving Crew were immediately called shortly before 4:00 pm and responded. Shortly after the fire began, the man exited the house and drank what appeared to be bleach in front of the officers. He was taken into custody and turned over to EMS personnel for treatment and transported to Danville Regional Medical Center. There he will receive a mental evaluation as well as treatment for his non-life threatening injuries. He is currently listed in fair and stable condition.
The Danville Fire Marshal's Office is also investigating. At this time there are no criminal charges.
The investigation is ongoing.