Residents of Delta County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula are reeling after a Rapid River man allegedly set fire to a local bar early Monday morning, while patrons were inside. According to FOX 2 Detroit, the fire at Rapid River Pub was reported just after 12:30 a.m., and authorities said the establishment on Main Street had been intentionally set ablaze.
The SooLeader reported that 33-year-old Steven Prestridge faces charges for second-degree arson and preparation to burn real property, following the evacuation of all occupants from the building. His bond has been set at $150,000 cash/surety; additional conditions apply, and he is due back in court on Sept. 18.
In a statement obtained by Upper Michigan's Source, the owner of Rapid River Pub, Tom Szocinski, detailed how the incident unfolded shortly after a banned patron was asked to leave the premises. "He then verbally threatened my manager, which was witnessed by multiple people, that he would take down the bar," Szocinski said. "Within less than 20 some minutes later, the firebomb went off, and all cameras show that it was a significant enough movement that the entire building shook."
The Rapid River community has already begun showing strong support for the local establishment. Despite the damage, the pub managed to open its outside venue within hours of the explosion, setting an example of resilience and community solidarity. Szocinski expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support, "I went to bed, only got like an hour and a half sleep and I woke up to 70 messages about people saying they’re here for us," he told Upper Michigan's Source in their interview. The owner also mentioned that while the investigation by Michigan State Police continues, the best way to support the pub is by patronage and enjoying their offerings.
