Suspect in Judson College fire arrested after police standoff

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

More details have now emerged concerning the recent Sunday afternoon fire on the campus of Judson College.

Marion Police Chief Kendrick Howell says when police arrived on the scene they found Bowling Library on fire.

They also found 40 year old Micah Hester hiding behind a barricade set up outside of the building.

Howell said Hester threatened to shoot — if any officers came near him.

After about a 30 minute standoff — police were eventually able to talk Hester out — and apprehend him.

It was then discovered that Hester was not armed.

“He was barricaded. He had an old refrigerator, old like stoves and boxes and things. And he was hidden behind it and they could only see a portion of him, not the full body just the portion of him. And all he was saying was, if you approach me, I’m going to shoot.

Hester is charged with arson — burglary — and making a terrorist threat.

He’s being held in the Perry County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond.