A Columbus man has been arrested in connection with a Monday morning fire at Club Secrets, a local gentleman’s club.
Craig Cahill, of 177 West Park St., was charged with one count of aggravated arson Monday afternoon. Police initially took Cahill, 53, into custody for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, but after obtaining a search warrant found an accelerant in Cahill’s car.
Upper Arlington Fire Division spokesperson Dan Kochensparger said police noticed Cahill walking around the area of the fire that morning. Police had responed to a call at 4:36 a.m. Monday involving smoke coming from the club at 1570 1/2 Olentangy River Road.
Kochensparger said fire departments from Upper Arlington, Columbus, and Clinton Township, along with Columbus and Clinton Township Police are collaborating in the arson investigation. He said investigators must complete reviews of material from the building before the fire department can release a report on the incident.
The fire reached all parts of the building, Kochensparger said.
“The roof is mostly gone. The only thing still standing is the shell of the building,” he said. The owner of the building, Tony Ikims, has decided to have the building demolished. Ikims, who did not run Club Secrets, could not be reached for comment.
