MADISON, SD (KELO-AM) An apartment building is damaged, a popular area convenience store is shuttered and a man is in custody following an apparent arson spree early Sunday in Madison. The Lake County States Attorney's Office says 25 year-old Travis Lee Smith Junior faces a string of charges.
Neighbors told police they woke to the smell of smoke in the Uptown Apartments around 1:30 Sunday morning. They knocked on doors in the building to warn other residents. No injuries were reported. After leaving the apartment scene, reports say Smith went to the One-Stop Convenience Store and set a fire there.
Smith was arrested after police caught up with him near Pizza Hut on 2nd Street Northwest, then reportedly tased him after he resisted arrest. One report says a police officer was injured in the tussle, and sent to the hospital.
The list of offenses authorities charged suspect Smith with include: First Degree Arson, Reckless Burning, Third Degree Burglary, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, 2 counts of Simple Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest.
KELO Radio's Rick Williams spoke with KSFY-TV's Carlos Gonzales, who was on-scene Sunday. Click above to hear his report.