House Fire Leads to Five Counts of Attempted Murder

Lexington, Co., S.C. (WOLO)– Lexington County deputies say a Columbia man set a Swansea home on fire with five people inside.

Investigators say Joseph Riester entered the home on Jones Wire Rd. with a knife just before midnight Saturday.

Deputies say family members told them Riester threatened to kill one of them, and after he left the home they say they noticed the front porch was on fire and were able to get out safely.

When deputies arrived  they say Riester was still standing in the yard making threats.

Deputies say Riester is charged with 2nd degree arson, kidnapping, and burglary in addition to the attempted murder charges.

He is being held in the Lexington County Detention Center.