Man charged with setting fire to homeless camp near Greater Columbus Convention Center

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A 54-year-old man has been charged after he was accused of setting fire to a homeless camp near the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Carl Mahone is charged with aggravated arson, according to the record of the Franklin County Municipal Court.

The Columbus Fire Department responded to the fire near 288 Convention Center Drive at 1:18 p.m. Tuesday.

Upon their arrival, the crews discovered an active fire at the camp located under the 3rd Street bridge.

Court records state that a witness who worked in the area watched Mahone leave the scene of the fire and gave a detailed description.

After clearing the scene, personnel were sent to the site of the second incident at the same location and found several burning tents. The second fire was located on the south side of the bridge’s supporting structure.

Mahone was found in the 600 block of North High Street and detained by the Columbus Police Department.

According to court records, during interrogation by investigators, Mahone confessed to setting the fire.

Mahone is due in court on Wednesday morning.

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