Man faces eight arson charges

An Indianapolis man was charged with eight counts of arson Wednesday for allegedly setting numerous fires on the east side. Benjamin Williams is accused of setting nine fires to homes and garages between Jan. 7 and Feb. 10. Williams, who was arrested last Thursday, told investigators he set the fires because he was “drunk, stupid and bored.” The damage to the properties was estimated at $146,100. Williams was charged with only eight of the nine fires because one of the property owners could not be located. Six of the structures were abandoned homes owned by the city.