Man questioned following Christmas fire; no charges filed
Officers with the Russellville Police Department have taken a local man in for questioning concerning the Christmas Day fire that destroyed two buildings in downtown Russellville.
During the course of the investigation, officials with the RPD and the Russellville Fire Department discovered there was a possibility that a man had been living in the basement of the old Franklin County Times building that was destroyed in the fire, Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said.
According to Hargett, James Elton Faulkner, Jr., 46, formerly of 416 East Lawrence Street in Russellville, was identified as the man staying in the building’s basement.
When authorities could not locate Faulkner after the fire, officials brought in cadaver dogs as a precaution.
“We didn’t think this man would be in the debris, but we always want to be thorough in our investigation,” Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell said.
“We want to take every precaution we can, especially when a human life is involved.”
At the conclusion of the scene investigation – a joint effort between the RFD, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the RPD – officials confirmed that a body was not discovered.
“When we did not find a body, we knew this man was somewhere else and, because we had received reports that he stayed in the building periodically, he might be able to help us put the pieces together,” Mansell said.
According to Hargett, officers with the RPD were able to locate Faulkner Tuesday night and he is currently being held for questioning.
Hargett said that no charges have been filed at this time and Mansell added the investigation of the fire is still ongoing.
Officials with the Russellville Fire Department are looking for pictures or video from the Christmas Day fire that destroyed two buildings on Lawrence Street in downtown Russellville.
Russellville Fire Capt. Steve Thornton said these items may be able to aid the fire department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office in their investigation of the fire and would be appreciated.
Anyone who could share pictures or video that might have been taken at the scene can e-mail the fire department at rfdfirepics@gmail.com. For those who need to send pictures or video by text message, call the fire station at 256-332-8761 and a number will be provided.
