Athens County deputies spent Tuesday searching for a Columbus man after a body was discovered in the aftermath of an apartment fire in The Plains. The blaze, which broke out Tuesday morning on Cross Street, heavily damaged one unit and has turned the building into an active crime scene. The county coroner and the State Fire Marshal's Office are working with deputies to identify the victim and pinpoint how the fire started.
What deputies say
According to the sheriff's office, the body was found following a fire at 15 Cross Street, and surveillance footage later showed 35-year-old Andrew Joesph Martin walking away from the area toward Connett Road. Deputies say he appeared on camera around 9:30 a.m., making a phone call at Spices of Life in The Plains before leaving in an unknown direction. "We will continue to pursue those who attempt to evade law enforcement and the individuals who try to hide those wanted," Sheriff Smith said, according to CW Columbus.
Coroner and fire officials on scene
The Athens County coroner confirmed that a man died in the fire and said the flames were contained to the middle apartment, though officials have not yet released the victim's name. The State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting the sheriff's investigators as they work to determine what sparked the blaze. For now, authorities say details are limited while the scene is still being processed, according to WSAZ.
Who deputies are looking for
Deputies describe Martin as about 5 feet 7 inches tall and roughly 135 pounds. They say he was last seen in a checkered button-up shirt, blue jeans, black shoes and a green toboggan. The sheriff's office has named him a person of interest and notes that he has an active warrant in Franklin County for failing to register as a Tier II sex offender. Authorities emphasize that he has not been charged in connection with the death and that the investigation is still underway, according to CW Columbus.
How the public can help
Anyone who has information about Martin's whereabouts or the fire is asked to contact the Athens County Sheriff's Office at (740) 593-6633. Officials say they are taking all tips seriously and urge residents not to approach Martin if they see him, according to the Athens County Sheriff's Office.
