Editors Note: This article was originally published in the April 17, 2024 issue of the Chronicle Progress. Some information may be outdated.
Suspect allegedly fled treatment facility, told police he lit fire to stay warm
A burning haystack led to arson charges against a Holden man on Wednesday.
According to a probable cause report in the matter, Lucian Cortez Rutz, 25 was arrested after he had been reported by a local residential treatment program that he had left the facility, but reported back, smelling of smoke.
When questioned why, Rutz said he had started some hay on fire to stay warm. Deputies took Rutz with them to question him, when he allegedly saw a still burning hay stack and stated “he didn’t intend for the fire to get to where it was.”
When asked why he lit the hay on fire, Rutz told investigators he wanted a reason to be kicked out of the treatment program, and lit the haystack on fire as a way to act out. Rutz stated “he knew it was going to get cold in the evening so he started a fire to keep warm, but noticed the smoldering fire burning farther down the stack.” Rutz stated he had attempted to put the fire out, but got tired of the smoke and decided to leave.
The cost of the hay is estimated to be $25,000.
Rutz is charged with second-degree felony arson and is held without bail. He made an initial appearance in Fourth District Court last week and is set to reappear Wednesday morning.
