An Evansville man accused of setting a July 20 fire that destroyed a building on North Fourth Avenue and forced the evacuation of two sleeping occupants appeared by video in Vanderburgh County court Tuesday, more than three weeks after his arrest.
Charges, bond and initial plea
Richard Lee Perkins Jr., 45, faces one count of arson, a Level 4 felony, and two counts of criminal recklessness, both Class A misdemeanors, according to court filings and a news release from the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office. At the initial hearing, a not-guilty plea was entered on Perkins’ behalf, and he remains in custody on bond set at $5,000 cash or $50,000 surety.
| Charge | Classification | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Arson | Level 4 felony | 1 |
| Criminal recklessness | Class A misdemeanor | 2 |
How investigators say they reached Perkins
Evansville Fire Department dispatchers first sent crews to the building in the 800 block of North Fourth Avenue about 1:30 a.m. July 20 after multiple callers reported a fire, according to an EFD news release detailing the arrest. Firefighters arrived to find the east side of the structure fully involved; crews later reported the roof on that side collapsed during suppression efforts.
The two people who were inside the building at the time escaped without injury, the release and a probable-cause affidavit state. The building sustained severe damage and was later demolished because of the condition caused by the blaze.
The fire was investigated jointly by the Evansville Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Bureau and the Evansville Police Department. Authorities say surveillance video and witness interviews led them to Perkins, culminating in his arrest more than three weeks after the incident.
What happened in court
Perkins appeared by video from the Vanderburgh County Jail for the initial proceeding — a standard practice when defendants are in custody awaiting further action. The magistrate advised him of the charges, and the court recorded the not-guilty plea. Prosecutors and court records confirm the bond amount and the formal filing of charges under Indiana statutes that address fires causing property damage and endangering people.
"The arson charge was filed under an Indiana statute pertaining to fires that damage property under circumstances that also endanger people,"
The case will proceed through the Vanderburgh County court system; additional hearings and possible discovery will be scheduled as prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare for further proceedings.
Local impact and safety concerns
Though no injuries were reported, the blaze prompted emergency response in the neighborhood and resulted in the loss of a building that subsequently had to be demolished. Residents and business owners in the area will likely continue to feel the effects of the destruction and any ensuing cleanup or redevelopment.
- Fire occurred in early morning hours of July 20 in the 800 block of North Fourth Avenue.
- Two occupants escaped without injury; building later demolished due to damage.
- Investigation credited surveillance footage and witness interviews with identifying the suspect.
As the case moves forward, court records and public statements from the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, the EFD and the Evansville Police Department will provide updates. The filing of charges marks the next step in the legal process, but the outcome will depend on evidence presented in subsequent hearings.
Local residents concerned about safety or property security in the area following the fire can contact city offices or the Evansville Fire Department for guidance on prevention and resources related to fire-damaged properties.
