JANESVILLE (WKOW) -- A Fort Atkinson man is accused of throwing an incendiary device at a Janesville home Thursday morning that started a fire and burned the duplex to the ground.
Jacob M. Piper, 30, Ft. Atkinson was taken into custody Thursday afternoon.
Piper was arrested and and faces possible charges of:
• 5 counts of Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide
• 1 count of Arson
Janesville Fire and Police were called about 5:45 a.m. Thursday to 220 S Franklin for a residential fire.
The first units on the scene found fire on all levels, the heaviest fire on the front of the building.
All five residents were able to get out safely, but were left without a home and lost everything, according to the fire department.
During interviews of witnesses, investigators determined that a white man was seen throwing a lit container at the front of the house.
Two of the witnesses were able to identify the person who threw the incendiary device at the home’s front door, which starting the building on fire. The suspect then fled on foot from the scene.
A vehicle on the street and the neighboring house were also damaged by the heat of the fire. The damage to the vehicle and 214 S Franklin is estimated at $10,000.
The Red Cross is assisting three occupants of 220 S Franklin, while the others are staying with family.
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