Investigation Underway After Arson in Wyandot County

A fire on March 18 at 19015 County Highway 53 in rural Forest has been determined to be arson, and a suspect has been identified.

According to a release from the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, the fire involving an abandoned house trailer occurred during the early morning hours.

After it was extinguished, fire personnel suspected foul play, and the Wyandot County Major Crimes Unit and Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office initiated an investigation and determined the fire was the result of arson.

After developing leads during the investigation, a search warrant was served at the residence of Kaleb J. Barger at 11651 County Highway 81.

Items believed to be associated with the incident were allegedly recovered.

After interviewing Barger, criminal charges for arson will be submitted to the Wyandot County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Detectives determined that this is an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by fire departments from Wharton, Upper Sandusky, Pitt Township, Marseilles, Forest and by Hardin County EMS.