IMPD: Man charged for arson after drug money dispute

INDIANAPOLIS — A man faces arson charges after causing a fire on a residence’s porch, which police say stemmed from a financial dispute related to drugs.

Per online court records, Zachary Lillard, 33, faces the following charges:

• Arson, knowingly causing damage by fire to the dwelling of another without consent (Level 4 Felony)
• Arson damage by fire to the property of another, under circumstances that endanger (Level 4 Felony)
• Arson where the financial loss is between $250 and $5,000 (Level 6 Felony)

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called around 8 a.m. on Aug. 20 to the 1700 block of Deloss Street, on the report of a fire on the front porch of an occupied residence.

Upon investigation, IMPD determined that the fire was intentionally set. It damaged a security door, an outdoor carpet and the front porch, with damages estimated to be around $1,000. Police also found a red gas can that they said was used to start the fire.

IMPD said that Lillard’s former girlfriend came to the residence and requested money. The homeowner replied that he did not have any, leading the ex-girlfriend to leave. According to police, she returned 30 minutes later, this time with Lillard.

Police said that the ex-girlfriend confessed Lillard was angry, because he wanted money to go towards drugs. She then said he threatened the residents of the house and returned with a gas can, which he poured onto the porch and set on fire.

Online court records show Lillard’s initial court hearing is scheduled for Monday. If convicted, he could face up to 12 years in prison.

A mugshot for Lillard has not yet been provided.

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