We now have more information on last week’s arson case in Perry.

Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn says they were able to file the first degree arson charge against Richard Steadman Jr. after he admitted to law enforcement that he used a lighter to light papers inside his home at 1611 4th Street shortly after midnight on Monday, May 25th.  Steadman said he then threw a metal bottle containing an accelerant associated with a hand held torch into the fire, causing it to spread rapidly.  Steadman and his wife April Steadman, who later called 911 to report the fire, were standing on the porch of the residence when the blaze started.

As previously reported by Raccoon Valley Radio, first responders were on scene for two hours putting out the fire which caused extensive damage to the home and killed the family’s dog.

Steadman was arrested at a Des Moines hospital while being treated for matters unrelated to the fire.  He was also charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs and public intoxication, third offense.