Man Accused of Mansfield Firebombing Arrested
Earlier today, Kevin Dye, 40, was arrested in Bucyrus. Dye was wanted on charges of Aggravated Arson and Manufacturing of a Dangerous Ordnance for allegedly firebombing the Mansfield City Building in the early morning hours of Dec. 14.
Investigators from Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Mansfield Police and Fire Departments began the investigation into the attack on the Mansfield City Building within hours of the incident. A team of approximately 20 investigators quickly assembled and worked together to investigate the incident.
A manhunt for Dye throughout the Mansfield area culminated when Dye was found in Bucyrus. He was arrested without incident. Dye was transported to the Mansfield jail and was later transported to the Richland County Jail.
“I would like to thank all the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation. That cooperation resulted in a successful investigation,” said Phil Messer, chief, Mansfield Police Department.
“This investigation is an example of the outstanding results achieved when local, state and federal investigators combine their expertise and resources. This act of arson endangered lives; we are thankful no one was injured because of this violent act,” said Wayne L. Dixie Jr., acting special agent in charge, ATF, Columbus Field Division.
“The U.S. Marshals tip line resulted in numerous tips and leads that led to locating the suspect in the Bucyrus area. I commend the law enforcement officers and agencies that participate in the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force in Richland County,” said Peter Elliott, United States Marshal, Northern District of Ohio.
More than 30 officers from the following agencies participated in the manhunt and arrest: Mansfield Police, Richland County Sheriff, Crawford County Sheriff, Bucyrus Police, Shelby Police, Adult Parole Authority, Richland County ASORT, ATF, Division of State Fire Marshal and the United States Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force.
