Lincoln man accused of starting fire in apartment after getting eviction notice

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A man was arrested Wednesday in an arson at a south Lincoln apartment, court documents say.

Around 8:30 a.m. Monday, 54-year-old Raymond Williams started a fire inside his apartment near 10th and Lake streets, according to an arrest affidavit.

He poured gas on a bed and lit a piece of paper on fire to ignite the flames, the affidavit alleges.

The fire “erupted like an explosion,” and Raymond left the apartment, police said.

Lincoln Fire & Rescue extinguished the flames, which caused about $25,000 in damage.

During an investigation, authorities learned that Raymond set the fire after receiving an eviction notice, according to the affidavit.

Raymond was charged with first-degree arson.

A Lancaster County judge set Raymond’s bond at $75,000.  He must pay $7,500 to be released from jail.