Man Arrested In Connection With Cleveland Bar Fire

CLEVELAND -- Police said Jerry Johnson, 27, turned himself in to Cleveland police Saturday afternoon in connection with the fire that destroyed the VIP Lounge on Woodhill Avenue.

Johnson was placed under arrest and is being held in the Cleveland City jail for investigation of aggravated arson, aggravated burglary and felonious assault, Lt. Thomas Stacho said.

Johnson told police he turned himself in so that they could hear his side of the story.

Saturday morning, officers responded to a home invasion call on Woodhill Avenue. When officers arrived, they found the building, which houses the VIP Lounge and an apartment, engulfed in fire.

Stacho said Johnson argued with the bar staff earlier in the evening about a dent in his car.

According to the bar owner, Johnson returned later and fired shots into the bar when he could not get inside. Soon after, the building went up in flames.

The home and bar owner, Joe Lynn, is recovering at MetroHealth Medical Center.