PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A longtime Princeton police officer has been arrested on a first-degree arson charge following an investigation into a structure fire earlier this year, according to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office arrested R.M. Combs in connection with a fire that occurred on August 4, 2026, in the 900 block of Harrison Street in Princeton.
At the time of his arrest, Combs was serving as a lieutenant with the Princeton Police Department, where he has been employed for the past 12 years.
Following his arrest, Combs was placed on administrative leave by the Princeton Police Department pending the outcome of both internal and criminal investigations.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said the City of Princeton and the Princeton Police Department have fully cooperated with investigators throughout the investigation.
The West Virginia State Police also assisted with Combs’ arrest.
Combs was transported to the Mercer County magistrate’s office for arraignment. According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, no bond had been set at the time of the announcement.
Additional details about the circumstances surrounding the fire were not released.
Combs is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
