Officials charge second man in alleged meth fire

Hunter’s Run Apartment H2 was destroyed in a July 1 that authorities say is meth-related. The outside of the apartment is pictured here. Photo Courtesy of the Newton Fire Department

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

Local authorities have charged a second suspect in connection with the July 1 fire at Hunter’s Run Apartments, accusing the Baxter man of allegedly igniting the fire while manufacturing methamphetamine. Michael A. Johnson, 23, has been charged with first-degree arson, a Class B felony, according to a news release issued Wednesday by Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Drug Task Force. MINE Drug Task Force members assisted the Newton police and fire departments with the fire explosive investigation at an apartment in Building H of Hunter’s Run, located at 821 S. 13th Ave. E. According to the news release, officials found items consistent with meth making along with several items of drug paraphernalia at the scene of the fire. Officials said the men allegedly were using a flammable substance and a hair dryer to rinse some filters used in the meth making process when they ignited the fire in an apartment bedroom. Joseph Paul Ward, 32, of Newton was charged last week with reckless use of fire, a serious misdemeanor, in connection with the incident. He is scheduled to appear in court July 17. No one was injured in the fire, but the six-unit apartment building was evacuated. The fire was reported at 2:20 p.m. July 1, and officials were at the scene more than two hours. Interim Fire Marshal Mike Knoll said the fire destroyed the first floor apartment and caused heavy smoke damage. Damage to the building was estimated between $50,000 and $60,000. Ward posted a $1,950 bond and was released from jail after being charged last week, and Johnson is being held in Marshall County on other charges unrelated to the fire.