A Manhattan man is jailed on charges of arson and using explosives.
According to a Riley County Police Department investigation, two fires were intentionally set Monday, both involving a device commonly known as a Molotov cocktail. Police identified and captured 36-year-old Matthew Spooner on suspicion of two counts of aggravated arson and two counts of criminal use of explosives.
The first incident, initially believed to be an electrical fire, was reported around 1:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of Moro Street (O’Malley’s Alley). The second was reported around 7:45 p.m. in the 1100 block of Laramie Street. Witnesses reported seeing Spooner set the second fire and leave the area. No injuries were reported.
He remains in the Riley County Jail in lieu of bond.
