The Columbia Police and Fire Departments announce the arrest of a 54-year-old man in connection with an intentionally set fire that occurred in North Columbia.
Michael McClellan (DOB: 4-12-1964) is charged with Arson – Second Degree and Burglary – First Degree stemming from an incident that occurred shortly before 9:00 p.m. on May 5, 2018 at 3517 Beaumont Avenue. McClellan is currently housed at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC) under a $100,000 cash bond.
McClellan is accused of breaking into the vacant home and intentionally setting multiple fires causing approximately $20,000 in structural damage and $3,000 in damage to the contents.
All persons arrested/charged are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.
CPD, CFD, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) continue to investigate the 13 additional fires that have occurred in North Columbia since April 21, 2018.
In addition to the arson resulting in McClellan’s arrest, four other fires have been ruled as being intentionally set, while the rest have been classified as undetermined.
Here is a list of the fires currently under investigation: | The highlighted portions have been ruled as being intentionally set:
1. 3521 Beaumont Avenue | April 21
2. 3521 Beaumont Avenue | May 5
3. 3517 Beaumont Avenue | May 5
4. 1915 High Street | June 5
5. 4524 Monticello Road | June 7
6. 3511 Beaumont Avenue | June 15
7. 3417 Carver Street | June 18
8. 4913 Norman Street | June 18
9. 1909 High Street | June 23
10. 2711 High Circle | June 24
11. 5779 Ames Road | June 27
12. 3612 High Circle | June 27
13. 401 Abraham Street | July 1
14. 3702 High Circle | July 3
Citizens with information about the series of fires are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers in any ways:
CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.
LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.
DOWNLOAD the new P3 Tips App for Apple or Android device.