Suspected arsonist arrested for setting fire to relative’s house

ST. LOUIS — St. Louis County police have arrested a man who set a fire while victims slept inside. The suspected arsonist is charged with arson and illegal possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on July 17, Kevin Straub attempted to set fire to his cousin’s house while both were inside. Straub was filmed attempting to set fire to the patio with two other people in the backyard of his cousin’s house.

When their first attempt failed, a second person poured what appeared to be gasoline on the deck and tried to reignite it. Meanwhile, Straub and a third person went to the side of the house and set it on fire.

This caused the siding to melt, causing smoke and fire damage. While this was happening, the victims were sleeping inside the home. They were awakened by heavy gunfire. When police arrived, they found fire damage to the home and several shell casings and gunshot damage to the back of the home.

A witness later identified Straub as one of the suspects in the video.

Straub was not arrested until July 22 during a traffic stop. Police found the handgun used in the crime. After being read his Miranda rights, Straub admitted to using the handgun in the crime and setting the fire at his cousin’s house.

Straub was already convicted of first-degree assault on November 19, 2014. He is currently in custody with bail set at $150,000 in cash.