(BATON ROUGE)---A Hammond man has been arrested and charged in connection with a case where he allegedly set fire to his brother's restaurant in Hammond, according to State Fire Marshal Butch Browning.

Browning reports that 38-year-old Ronald Joseph Tallo has been charged with simple arson in connection with a fire that occurred back on July 23, 2008.

Browning says that the fire, at Russell's Diner in Hammond, did irreparable damage to the structure. The diner was owned by Ronald Tallo's brother, Ryan. Browning adds that his office determined that the blaze was the work of an arsonist.

As the investigation continued, the State Fire Marshal's Office learned that Tallo sought medical help for burns shortly after the fire was reported.

Browning also says that Tallo cooperated with fire investigators when questioned about the incident.

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