Pomeroy arson case solved, police say

POMEROY, Ohio (WOWK) — The Pomeroy Police Department announced that an arson case from last year has officially been solved.

Pomeroy PD said in a Facebook post that a guilty plea was delivered in the case of a double structure fire that took place on Mechanic Street in Pomeroy the morning of April 13, 2024.

While he initially plead not guilty, Nickolaus Sprouse later pleaded guilty to one count of arson.

On the day of the fire, crews from the Pomeroy, Rutland and Middleport Fire Departments were called to the scene and found the second story of the house to be heavily involved.

The residence, which was empty at the time of the fire, later collapsed onto another structure. The tenants of the second residence, a homeowner and a teenager that were asleep when the fire first started, were able to escape thanks to the warning of a neighbor.

No injuries were reported across both incidents.

Investigators deemed the fire to be an act of arson as surveillance showed an unknown person leaving the original residential structure as the fire began. Law enforcement later identified Sprouse as the suspect and took him into custody.

Sprouse was subsequently sentenced to 5-7 and a half years for arson.

Pomeroy Fire Chief Derek Miller said in the post, “Arson is a crime that presents an extreme danger to the citizens and first responders of our community. When investigating these fires, we will work diligently with our partners from the State Fire Marshal’s office and local law enforcement to identify suspects and bring them to justice. Although this case is devastating as two structures, including one that has undergone a complete renovation were destroyed, we are pleased that the families know someone is being held accountable for their part in this senseless act.”

Investigating agencies include the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Village of Pomeroy Fire Department and the Village of Pomeroy Police Department.