A Poplar Bluff man was arrested Monday morning in relation to an April fire which destroyed a residence on Relief Street.
Nathan D. Montgomery, 34, of the 1000 block of Marylane Drive was arrested by the Poplar Bluff Police Department at approximately 6:50 a.m. Monday on a warrant for first-degree arson and eight failure to appear warrants on other charges ranging from burglary to violating an order of protection.
PBPD Officer Brentyn Clark recognized Montgomery after spotting him behind Walmart Neighborhood Market and knew that Montgomery had warrants, according to Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley. Clark apprehended Montgomery behind the north branch of First Midwest Bank after a foot pursuit.
Poplar Bluff Fire Chief Ralph Stucker is pleased to see a suspect arrested in the arson case.
“It’s great anytime we can apprehend someone who’s related to an arson issue,” Stucker said. “Arson is such a tough crime to prove since a lot of the evidence is destroyed in the fire. For them to be able to track him down and get him is fantastic.”
According to the probable cause statement by state fire marshal investigator Rachel McColley, she conducted an origin and cause investigation into the April 23 fire that destroyed a multi-family residential structure at 317 West Relief St. and found the following:
• The structure was occupied at the time of the fire;
• All accidental and natural ignition sources in the area of the origin of the fire in apartment B were ruled out, identifying the fire was set with an open flame being applied by human hand;
• Evidence through video surveillance recording and witness statements indicate Montgomery occupied apartment B without permission and he had reportedly threatened the lives of other tenants in the building just prior to the fire. Montgomery also is allegedly identified on video leaving the area of the building just prior to the fire being reported.
• Additionally, a witness said in a statement that Montgomery had said, “I hope you all die,” just prior to the discovery of the fire; and another witness said Nathan Montgomery was alone in apartment B a short time prior to the discovery of the fire.
The results of the origin and cause investigation revealed the fire was incendiary, and further investigation based on witness interviews and video evidence reportedly point to Nathan Montgomery having knowingly and purposely set the fire, McColley concluded.
Montgomery is being held without bond at the Butler County jail on the arson charge and on the following failure to appear warrants: first-degree property damage, second-degree property damage, first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, stealing and three charges of violating an ex parte order or full order of protection.