COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The owner of a home at 100 East Pierce in Coldwater has been charged with second degree arson in connection with a fire in the second story of his residence on the morning of July 4.
58-year-old Anthony Stanton was formally charged during an arraignment Wednesday in Branch County District Court following a Coldwater Police Department investigation.
A personal recognizance bond was set at $5,000. A probable cause hearing was set for September 19. Prosecutors also filed a fourth offense habitual offender sentencing enhancer against Stanton.
The fire broke out just before 7:00 a.m. on the morning of the Fourth of July. Coldwater Fire Marshall Steve Trall said at the time that crews found smoke and flames coming from a second story window on the south side of the home.
The fire was put out within 15 minutes and contained to the second story bathroom of the home. Smoke damage was also reported throughout the second story.
Stanton was transported by Lifecare Ambulance to ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital. He is currently receiving treatment at the V.A. Hospital in Battle Creek.
According to Branch County court documents, Stanton allegedly used a cigarette to light an ignitable liquid upstairs. He then watched the fire for a few minutes before unsuccessfully trying to put it out.
Damages were estimated at over $26,000. Fire crews were on the scene that morning for about three hours.
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