A Texas County man is held in jail on a $2,500 cash bond after authorities were called to respond to a report of arson in the area of Licking, according to Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey.
In a statement released to the media, Lindsey said deputies were dispatched Nov. 18 to a home on Deer Run Drive for an intentional fire reported by the home’s owner. The owner of the residence reportedly told the deputies a man named Michael Clouse had been a guest staying temporarily at the home, and had set fire to a mattress and clothing in a bedroom and then fled. The homeowner was able to extinguish the fire, Lindsey noted.
Deputies found Clouse walking near N Highway and tried to question him, Lindsey reported, but Clouse refused to communicate with them and attempted to walk away after being told he was detained.
Clouse was ultimately arrested and taken to the Texas County Jail.
Prosecuting Attorney Parke Stevens charged Michael D. Clouse, 39, of Licking, with second-degree arson and resisting arrest, court records show. The records also show Clouse was scheduled for an initial appearance Tuesday morning before 25th Circuit Associate Judge Brad Eidson. Updates to Clouse’s case have not been made in public court records as of Thursday morning.
