Man arrested for alleged arson, assault in Mason County

UPDATE (3:13 p.m., August 11, 2024) — New information has been released regarding the Mason County arrest.

According to a release from the West Virginia State Police, the suspect, Jason Blankenship, allegedly assaulted the victim on two occasions, causing injury. Blankenship then allegedly lit the Point Pleasant residence on fire with the victim still inside and fled the scene.

The victim was able to exit the residence without further injury.

Blankenship was later arrested without incident after law enforcement obtained warrants.

MASON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — A man was arrested after he allegedly set fire to a structure in Mason County Saturday.

According to a post on the Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Facebook page , Jason Ray Blankenship, 42, of Point Pleasant was arrested Saturday by West Virginia State Police (WVSP) along Oshel Road around 4:45 p.m. after he allegedly set fire to a structure on Cherry Drive and assaulted a victim inside.

Blankenship is awaiting arraignment by a Mason County Magistrate and faces charges of 1st Degree Arson, Attempted Murder, Malicious Assault and Domestic Battery. He is being held at Western Regional Jail on a $1 million property/surety bail.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information should contact the WVSP or the West Virginia State Fire Marshal.

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