By Patrick Tepoorten

When a Rush City home ownerís son broke up an argument between a neighbor and the local paperboy, he did not expect that his neighbor would try to burn his house down, but that is exactly what happened, according to the Chisago County Sheriffís Office.

The altercation between Kirklan Henry Myers, 19, of Rush City, and a local paperboy occurred in the afternoon of June 29.

Later, at approximately 2:15 a.m., June 30, the home of James Fleming, 580 W. 4th Street, was seen to suddenly go up in flames by a neighbor. By the time the Rush City Fire Department and law enforcement could arrive, Fleming had put out the flames with a garden hose. Melted siding appears to be the extent of the damage.

Chisago County Deputy Justin Wood, on the scene to take statements, smelled gasoline upon investigating the burnt area more closely. Myers, questioned later, would admit starting the fire and was arrested.

Because Myers attempted to burn an occupied residence he is facing first degree arson charges. The state fire marshal and the Rush City Fire Department are assisting the Sheriffís office with the investigation.