Laura Ohio News

Laura House Fire Determined to be Arson

On February 12, 2023 at 11:58 P.M. Miami County Sheriff’s deputies along with the Laura Fire Department and Union Township Life Squad responded to 111 E. Pike St in the Village of Laura on the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, crews found the house fire to be fully involved. Witnesses also reported hearing an explosion prior to the fire. Crews from the following fire departments also responded for mutual aid; West Milton, Pleasant Hill, Ludlow Falls, Pitsburg, Arcanum, and Gettysburg.

The sole occupant of the residence, Jack M. Noble, age 58, managed to make it out of the residence. Mr. Noble was suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. He was transported by Union Township Life Squad to Miami Valley Hospital and was listed in critical condition.

Miami County Sheriff’s detectives also responded to the scene, along with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, to assist with processing the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was arson. A suspect was quickly identified as one Seth Zackary Ryan Johnson, age 24. Johnson is the step-son of Mr. Noble and resided at the 111 E Pike St. address with him.

Johnson was not located at the scene and a broadcast was placed for him and his car. At 3:52 A.M., the Fairborn Police Department located Johnson in his vehicle. Miami County detectives responded to Fairborn. Johnson is currently being detained in the Greene County jail.

A charge of aggravated arson has been filed on Johnson in Miami County. Detectives will be transporting Johnson back to Miami County where he will be incarcerated in the Miami County jail.

Additional charges will likely be filed. Anyone having any information on this case is asked to contact Det. Steve Hickey at 937-440-6085 EXT. 3987 or email at hickey.stephen@miamicountyso.com. Anonymous tips can also be left at www.miamicountyohio.gov/sheriff. The investigation is on-going.