A house still under construction on Lennon Lane in Jerome Township went up in flames on Feb. 17, and Union County deputies are treating it as a likely arson. Surveillance images reviewed by investigators show a person walking toward the unfinished home carrying two gas cans, a detail that has turned those grainy stills into the centerpiece of the investigation.
Surveillance footage and suspect description
In a Facebook post, the Union County Sheriff's Office released still images pulled from video taken near Lennon Lane on Feb. 17. The photos show a person approaching the construction site with two gas cans in hand, and deputies say they want to know who that is.
The investigation is listed under number 2026-00007165 and, according to the post, the person in the images is described as a male with dark hair, wearing a light-colored jacket or sweatshirt. Deputies are asking anyone who recognizes the individual, the clothing, or anything else in the images to get in touch.
How to tip investigators
Investigators have set up several ways to reach them about this case. The sheriff's notice directs tipsters to contact Detective Joel Thorpe at (937) 645-4101 ext. 4337 or Capt. Bob Roberts at (937) 645-4138 through the Union County Sheriff's Office. Callers are asked to reference report number 2026-00007165 so information gets routed to the right file.
For those who prefer to go through main channels, the Union County Sheriff's Office can be reached at (937) 645-4100 or in person at the Justice Center, 221 West 5th Street in Marysville, according to the county website.
Why investigators want video
The push to find more footage is not random. The State Fire Marshal has urged Ohio residents to share doorbell and security-camera clips because those videos often make or break arson cases, as reported by Cleveland 19. Even when the images are far from crystal clear, a distinctive walk, vehicle, or outfit can jog someone’s memory.
In this Jerome Township investigation, deputies say they are especially interested in any home security or doorbell footage taken in the area around the time of the fire. Anyone with relevant video is urged to contact Detective Thorpe or the sheriff's office, mention report number 2026-00007165, and share what they have.
Tips can also be emailed to [email protected], and non-emergency information may be passed along through the sheriff's main line. Union County officials stress that the case remains active and ask residents not to confront anyone they believe might be connected to the fire, leaving that work to law enforcement.
