MANSFIELD, Ohio -- Investigators have identified a suspect in Monday morning's arson fire at the Mansfield Municipal Building.
NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS from the Division of State Fire Marshal.
Investigators eliminated all accidental causes and determined the fire was incendiary or intentionally set.
The fire was caused by an incendiary device, according to authorities. The number of devices will be determined after further laboratory analysis.
Authorities would not discuss the specifics of the evidence discovered during the investigation but did confirm the fire started in the administrative offices of the judges.
An initial assessment of the evidence and investigative leads determined there was probable cause to believe that Kevin Dye allegedly was responsible for the arson fire.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kevin Dye is asked to call the U.S. Marshal’s Service Fugitive Task Force number 866-4-WANTED.
Dye is wanted by the Mansfield police and the U.S. Marshals.
He was described as a white, 40-year-old male who is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 225 pounds. He has blond hair and green eyes.
He is wanted for aggravated arson, a first-degree felony, and manufacturing a dangerous ordinance, a second-degree felony.
Do not make any attempt to apprehend Dye; contact law enforcement.
Authorities were called to 30 N. Diamond St. at about 12:30 a.m. on reports of a fire.
The building houses many city offices, including the mayor’s office.
Investigators did not discuss specifically what was found, but evidence was taken to the Division of State Fire Marshal laboratory in Reynoldsburg for analysis.
Initial assessments indicated an incendiary device was thrown, according to the fire marshal.
An incendiary device typically is man-made. The devices are intended to create an intense, damaging fire.
"The sprinkler system did its job. It suppressed the fire," Mansfield Police Chief Philip Messer said.
There was significant water damage to the first and second floors. The police station is housed on the first floor and also sustained damage.
The Mansfield Municipal Court, Clerk of Courts, Criminal Division of Law Directors and Mansfield police records offices were closed Monday, Dec. 14, due to the incident. All other offices were open for business as usual.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Division of State Fire Marshal’s office were called to the scene to investigate.
Authorities reviewed surveillance footage from surrounding gas stations to figure out who might have committed the crime.
Authorities also interviewed judges about recent and upcoming cases that might have been connected.
There were no injuries reported from the incident.
No more immediate information was available.
INTERACTIVE LOCATION MAP
View Larger Map
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement