HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 54-year-old man who started a fire at a local motel may have mental issues.

Edward Love is jailed on a $105,000 bond for aggravated arson after it was determined that a fire in his room at the Sunflower Motel in Hutchinson was intentionally set.

Love told the court he used a cigar to start the room phone on fire and that caused a lot of smoke. Love said he put the fire out and opened the window to let the smoke out.

There were 14 other occupants of the motel at the time he set the fire. His bond was set based on that number.

In court Friday, Love’s brother told the court he has mental issues and hasn’t been taking his medication. They even asked for Love to be sent to Larned State Hospital for an evaluation, however, that was denied by Magistrate Judge Daniel Gilligan.

Love has prior convictions from Lyon County for criminal damage to property. His case will come up again on June 26.