Kalamazoo has seen a string of recent arson incidents, with the arrest of a 24-year-old man connected to two separate fires in vacant homes. According to a report by FOX17, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) apprehended the suspect after the early-morning incidents on August 28. The suspect, Toby Knight, faces six charges for the crimes.
Arrested on Thursday, Knight awaits his arrangement on possessing the following charges: arson of a dwelling, arson of personal property, breaking with intent, receiving and concealing stolen property - motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding a police officer, and larceny in a building. Facing heavy smoke and flames, officers swiftly brought the first fire on Humphrey Street under control within minutes after their arrival, as reported by WZZM13. The second fire, reported on Sherwood Avenue, took them longer to contain.
Additional details from WWMT reveal that about $10,000 worth of tools were stolen during a burglary at a nearby business on King Highway the same morning. Knight's arraignment is scheduled for Friday afternoon, and he is currently being held on a $200,000 cash/surety bond.
