Firebomb leaves 5 displaced

A Meeting Street home was set ablaze Friday night after someone threw a bottle of burning gasoline inside the front door.

Several people were in the apartment at the corner of Romney Street at about 7 p.m. when the 20-ounce Coke bottle was tossed inside, Charleston Assistant Fire Chief Ronnie Classen said.

He said the occupants escaped without injury, but a neighbor hurt his wrist while trying to get inside to check on the family.

An argument followed on a nearby street corner and resulted in one person being assaulted, Classen said. That person was taken to a hospital but was not in serious condition, according to Charleston County Emergency Medical Services.

"Everybody is OK," Classen said.

The family of two adults and three children was displaced by the fire and the American Red Cross was making arrangements for the family late Friday, he said.

"The living room was destroyed, and there was heat and smoke damage throughout the house," Classen said.

Police said neighbors caught the man suspected of lighting the fire and held him until officers arrived. One person was in custody, police spokesman Charles Francis said. It was not clear whether charges would be filed.