Crime & Safety

McKinley Avenue Arson Case Turned Over to Prosecutor's Office

The Stark County Prosecutor's Office will review police and fire officials' findings in the April 12 fire that severely damaged two homes on McKinley Avenue SE

North Canton police and fire officials have sent their findings in the to the Stark County Prosecutor's Office in hopes of getting a grand jury indictment.

The fire had originated at 516 McKinley Ave. SE and spread to the home next door, 520 McKinley Ave. SE. Fire investigators had determined in April that the .

"At this time we're just looking at one individual, which would account for one count of aggravated arson," Chief Stephan Wilder said.

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"The investigation is still open, but at this stage of the investigation we feel that we've gathered as much information as possible in cooperation and support from the State Fire Marshal and the independent insurance companies that looked into the case also for us."

Fire Inspector Scott Kelly said the case now is in the hands of Chryssa Hartnett, assistant prosecutor at the Stark County Prosecutor's Office, but he's unsure how long the review might take.

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"We’re just waiting to hear back from them to see if there’s enough to go to the grand jury on the case," Kelly said.

North Canton Patch left a message at the Prosecutor's Office seeking comment this morning.

or "mineral spirits" doused on the back porch of 516 McKinley Ave. before the State Fire Marshal's Office ruled arson as the cause of the blaze.

Wilder said investigators still welcome more information about the case. Anyone with information may call Kelly at 330-499-3404 or Detective Randy Manse at 330-499-5911.


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