Police: Arson suspect said he was ‘trying to protect his family’

Treece is facing three counts of aggravated arson according to Dayton Municipal Court records.

He told police that he used a cigarette lighter to ignite a cardboard box in the basement of the home where he lived in the 2600 block of East Second Street, according to the report and an affidavit filed in Dayton Municipal Court. Treece said he knew that two other people were home at the time.

An artificial Christmas tree, some wiring, a furnace and other fuel sources also were in the basement.

“When asked why he set the items on fire, Dennis stated he was trying to protect his family,” the reported read. “When asked from [what], he stated he kept hearing voices and was trying to keep them from his family members.”

As of early Tuesday afternoon, Treece was being held in the Montgomery County Jail. He is scheduled to appear today in Dayton Municipal Court.