1 arrested for arson following overnight St. Paul apartment fire

Crews are investigating after battling an overnight fire at a St. Paul apartment.

According to St. Paul police, officers were called to the 1500 block shortly before midnight Wednesday night after someone reported a man was in a residence and violating an order for protection, however the man then left.

Police say the man returned about an hour later, and officers arrived and were able to help a woman safely leave the apartment.

However, the man locked himself in a room, and threatened to kill himself, which began a negotiation.

Officers say they saw smoke coming from the bedroom soon after, and added the man threatened to burn down the apartment building.

Police say the man was soon convinced to leave the apartment and to drop a knife he had been holding.

The building was then evacuated by police, and firefighters were called to the area. Residents who were evacuated were put on Metro Transit buses to keep warm, and some were brought to nearby buildings.

Crews then put the flames out.

Police say no one was reported injured, and the man was arrested for arson, as well as the violation of a protection order.

Check back for updates.