CLEVELAND — A Ravenna man is facing a felony charge after police say he admitted to setting a fire at a vacant house on Thursday.
Zackary L. Piotrowski, 30, was questioned by police after his wallet was found near the scene by fire investigators, the Ravenna Police Department said in a release.
Police responded to a report of flames on Harris Avenue and found a fire at a "nearby vacant residence" at 604 Hill St. The fire at the property, which is owned by Portage County Land Bank, was contained after multiple fire departments responded to the scene.
While police were on scene speaking with neighbors and piecing together how the fire started, a vehicle pulled up on scene. Police identified Piotrowski and another person in the car. According to police, the people in the vehicle "briefly" spoke with officers before leaving the scene. Police say they later returned.
After Piotrowski left the scene, investigators found his wallet near the house. Police questioned the 30-year-old and he "admitted to starting the fire using cardboard but denied using any accelerants." Police found two lighters in his vehicle, which they believe were used to ignite the blaze.
Piotrowski was arrested and taken to the Portage County Jail. He is facing a felony charge because the damage to the vacant residence was estimated at more than $1,000.
