KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Police say a man admitted that he set fire to two vacant houses in Kalamazoo as a distraction while he stole some $10,000 in tools from a business.
Appearing in a Kalamazoo courtroom Friday via video linkup, Toby Knight listened quietly as he was arraigned on six felony counts: first-degree arson, third-degree arson, breaking and entering a building with intent, receiving or concealing a stolen vehicle, third-degree fleeing police and larceny in a building.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety says Knight is responsible for two fires, both at vacant homes , that started one after another on Aug. 28. The first fire was reported around 1:35 a.m. on Humphrey Street near Hazard Avenue, while the second was reported around 1:45 a.m. on Sherwood Avenue near Riverview Drive, according to KDPS.
A court document says a firefighter was treated for a back injury sustained while fighting the Sherwood fire.
