SUFFOLK, Va. — A judge wants to know if a man accused of setting a Suffolk apartment building on fire is competent to stand trial.
Authorities say that back in July, Herbert Boothe set fire to the Suffolk Tower Apartments. The fire displaced 32 residents, forcing them into hotels and even sent some to the hospital.
Boothe faces charges for arson, assault on law enforcement, and attempted sexual battery.
A court hearing was held Monday morning, in which Boothe appeared on video before the judge. Boothe had been injured in the fire and was seen sitting in a wheelchair for his court appearance.
During the hearing, the judge signed off on a mental evaluation for Boothe.
Boothe's defense attorney said they're due back in court on October 4 to see if the mental evaluation was completed.