FDL Man Arrested In Connection With Apartment Fire

On May 7, 2014, a joint investigative taskforce made up of Investigators from the City of Fond du Lac Police Department, City of Fond du Lac Fire Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice- Division of Criminal Investigation-Fire Marshal’s Office, announced that an arrest has been made in the suspected arson fire at the Home Town Harbor Apartment Complex located at 362 N. Seymour Street that occurred during the early morning hours on Friday, May 2, 2014.

 

A 27-year-old Fond du Lac man was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon in connection with the fire and is currently being held in the Fond du Lac County Jail on preliminary charges of Arson to a Building, Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, with additional charges anticipated. 

 

Investigators have determined that an earlier argument between the suspect and a tenant of the apartment complex precipitated and led up to the fire.  The fire caused substantial damage to the apartment complex and displaced the residents in four separate units of the complex.   Fire Department Division Chief of Fire Prevention, Troy Haase stated, “Luckily no one was injured in the fire.”

 

Police Chief Bill Lamb stated, “I would like to commend the investigative work put forth by the members of this joint taskforce in determining the cause of this fire and the person responsible for setting the fire.  The collaborative efforts by all the agencies involved were evident from the time of the fire throughout the investigation.”   

 

The announcement of the arrest comes during National Arson Awareness Week, May 4-10.   Fire Chief Peter O’Leary stated, “Over the last several years our police and fire departments have developed a very strong and positive working relationship with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and its investigators. The work this past week between us, demonstrated the value of our partnership.

 

The Investigation into this incident is ongoing and additional information will be released with the issuance of the criminal complaint.