Executive Summary
- Union County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an arson at a home under construction on Lennon Lane.
- Surveillance video captured a male suspect approaching the site with two gas cans on February 17.
- The suspect is described as having dark hair and wearing a light-colored jacket.
- Detective Joel Thorpe is accepting tips from the public regarding the suspect’s identity.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office in Marysville, Ohio, has launched a public appeal for assistance in identifying a suspect linked to an arson investigation involving a residential construction site in Jerome Township. According to law enforcement officials, the incident occurred earlier this week and resulted in property damage to a home currently under development.
Investigators report that the fire was discovered on Tuesday, February 17, at a property located on Lennon Lane. The Union County Sheriff’s Office released details regarding surveillance footage obtained from the scene, which reportedly captured a suspect approaching the residence carrying two gas cans shortly before the incident occurred.
Authorities have described the individual in the footage as a male with dark hair. At the time of the recording, he was observed wearing a light-colored jacket or sweatshirt. The Sheriff’s Office has made images from the video available to the public in hopes of generating leads regarding the individual’s identity.
Law enforcement is urging anyone who recognizes the suspect or possesses information relevant to the investigation to come forward. Detective Joel Thorpe is leading the inquiry and can be reached at (937) 645-4101, extension 4337, or via email at jthorpe@unioncountyohio.gov.
Investigative Outlook
Arson investigations involving construction sites present unique challenges for law enforcement, often requiring a synthesis of forensic analysis and community intelligence. Construction sites are frequently targeted due to lower occupancy levels and the presence of flammable materials, necessitating rigorous surveillance review to establish timelines and intent. The release of video evidence in this case suggests that investigators are pivoting to community-sourced intelligence to bridge gaps in identification. Successful prosecution in such cases typically hinges on corroborating digital evidence with witness testimony or physical forensic links established at the scene.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
