An Evarts man has been arrested on a charge of first-degree arson after he allegedly set a house on fire in the Middleton Addition of Evarts on June 23.

Billy Joe Madden, 22, was arrested by Evarts City Police Chief Lupe Blas on Sunday morning.

An investigation into the cause of the fire was conducted by Blas and Evarts City Fire Department Chief David McGill. The house belongs to Ronnie King, and it was occupied by Mary and Marcus Couch at the time of the fire.

McGill said the fire was started on the outside of the house and caused approximately $10,000 in damage. McGill said there were several witnesses who allegedly observed Madden start the fire.

Madden was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center with bond set at $100,000 full cash.

First-degree arson is a Class A felony. If Madden is convicted of the offense, he could receive up to life in prison.

Blas was assisted in the arrest by officer Terry Jacobs.

In other police news:

•• Charles Penny, 21, of Evarts, was arrested on charges of second- and fourth-degree assault and contempt of court.

•• Gloria Baldwin, 22, of Cumberland, was arrested on charges of second- and fourth-degree assault.

•• Jonathan Dewayne Baldwin, 21, of Totz, was arrested on charges of theft by unlawful taking and third-degree criminal mischief.

•• Jimmy Ray Baldwin Jr., 22, of Cumberland, was arrested on charges of theft by unlawful taking and third-degree criminal mischief.

•• Gary Dale Kirby, 23, of Evarts, was arrested on charges of theft by deception over $300 and first-degree criminal mischief.