A Carrollton man has been charged with two felonies after a fire at the Carrollton Inn on the evening of Sunday, January 22, 2023.

According to a probable cause statement, a Carrollton Police Officer arrived at the scene to assist with traffic control and observed a man appear from behind a vehicle. The man, identified as Patrick Hall-Taylor asked for assistance to keep warm. The officer transported Hall-Taylor to the Carrollton Police Department for the purpose of providing a warm setting and to speak with him in regards to his actions prior to contact.

Carrollton Fire Chief Lonnie Sensenich advised the fire was suspicious and had contacted the Missouri Division of Fire Safety to investigate.

During an interview with Hall-Taylor, he admitted to being homeless and in the Carrollton Inn prior to the structure fire. Hall-Taylor admitted to walking to Room 211 and utilizing two matches to keep warm but did not observe a fire prior to leaving.

A fire investigator stated to the officer that the fire had started in the lower level of the building and not in Room 211.

Hall-Taylor was arrested and charged with felonies for second degree arson and first degree property damage and a misdemeanor for trespassing.

Hall-Taylor was found to have an active warrant in Ray County.

No bond has been allowed.

Hall-Taylor has an initial court appearance scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at Carroll County Circuit Court.