Employee with National Guard sets fire to home with family inside, per police

CATLETTSBURG An Ashland man was jailed Friday on charges of first-degree arson and wanton endangerment after allegedly dousing his home in gasoline and igniting it while a woman and 8-year-old boy were still inside.

According to the arrest citation for 40-year-old Bradley Steven Bisson, Ashland Fire Department responded to an address in the 4000 block of Hickory Street in reference to a structure fire on Friday around 4 p.m..

Upon arrival and according to scanner traffic, the fire was quickly extinguished but the smell of gasoline remained obvious.

Per court records, Bisson’s wife reported Bisson “had been drinking all day” and had spoken about setting the home on fire.

The wife stated while she was outside the rear of the home, Bisson “asked her to come inside because he had a surprise,” according to the officer’s report.

Bisson then allegedly used a lighter to ignite the gasoline while the woman and an 8-year-old child were still inside.

According to police, Bisson was detained at the home and was brought to the Ashland Police Department where he is accused of confessing to the arson “because he wanted to end the marriage and for his wife and stepson to leave him.”

According to the information in the arrest citation, Bisson is listed as a veteran and currently employed by the National Guard out of Kenova, West Virginia.

Bisson is held at the Boyd County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.

The charge of first-degree arson is a Class A felony, carrying a maximum of 50 years in prison if Bisson is convicted.

Bisson is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Boyd County District Court on May 29.

During a preliminary hearing, a judge will hear evidence against Bisson to determine if the felony charges will be bound to a grand jury for indictment.