AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) – U.S. Marshals arrested the man accused of intentionally setting fire to Roush’s Market early Saturday morning, leaving an Akron neighborhood without its only grocery store.
According to a release from U.S. Marshals, Manuel Eliezer Ramirez-Molina, 36, was arrested on Monday for arson.
Man arrested for Akron grocery store fire(Summit County Sheriff’s Office)
Akron Fire Department crews were dispatched at approximately 6:04 a.m. on Saturday to 554 W. Thornton St. for reports of heavy black smoke in the area.
Akron Fire got the fire under control, and there were no reported injuries.
The roof caved in, and burnt debris scattered the parking lot. Flames rose high above the building, burning a tree and melting a fence next door.
Akron Fire crews battle commercial building fire(Source; Akron Fire Department)
Investigators gathered that the fire was intentionally set, and a warrant for Ramirez-Molina was issued on Sunday.
Members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) began looking for Ramirez-Molina, who U.S. Marshals said “was residing in this country illegally.”
A fire destroyed Roush’s Market early Saturday morning, leaving an Akron neighborhood without its only grocery store.(WOIO)
Although a devastating crime, this criminal and his complete disregard for our community will not break the spirits of the Akron community. With this fugitive behind bars so quickly, the Akron community can focus on supporting this business and help rebuild this long-standing Akron establishment.
Only hours after the fugitive investigation began, law enforcement found him just two blocks from the crime, in the area of Howe Street and Leroy Avenue.
I’m grateful to the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force for their swift work to safely apprehend the suspect in this devastating arson. Anyone who puts lives, businesses, and neighborhoods at risk through violent criminal acts must be held accountable. Our focus remains on supporting the Roush’s Market family and surrounding neighborhood. Akron has always responded to difficult moments by coming together, and I know this community will do the same again in this moment.
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