Back on September 17th, Officers responded to a structure fire along with the Cortlandville and Homer Fire Departments on Kingsley Ave. in the Town of Cortlandville.
An investigation into the cause of the fire was conducted by the Cortlandville Fire Department, NYS Fire and the Sheriff’s Office. The investigation found 37 year old Matthew S. Clark of Truxton, had barricaded the entrances to the trailer while two residents were inside.
It was after he barricaded the entrance and exit, Clark then set the property on fire. The Sheriff’s Office says he started the fire over a dispute regarding property that was inside the residence. Clark then fled the scene.
An arrest warrant was issued for his arrest for Arson in the 2nd after the fire.
Days later, the Cortland County District Attorney’s Office presented the case in front of the Cortland County Grand Jury who then indicted Clark for Attempted Murder in the 2nd, Arson in the 2nd, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd, and Reckless Endangerment in the 1st.
On Thursday, a Superior Court Warrant for Clarks arrest was signed. Around 5:40pm later that evening, information came into the Sheriff’s Office of Clark seen in the Truxton area.
Officers located Clark, who then fled on foot. The City of Cortland Police Department, Homer Police Department, and the New York State Police assisted the Sheriff’s Office in apprehending Clark. After he was apprehended, Clark was found to be in possession of a controlled substance.
Clark faces charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd, Arson in the 2nd, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd, Reckless Endangerment in the 1st, all Felonies, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th, a Misdemeanor.
The Sheriff’s Office noted in their release, Clark is no stranger to the Office, citing he has been arrested several times so far this year for multiple misdemeanor and felony level offenses. The Sheriff’s Office says due to the State’s current Bail Reform, he has been released on his own recognizance from those prior arrests.
Clark is due to be arraigned for the charges mentioned above later today.
