The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office (MCFMO) has identified both suspects who allegedly started the fire in the Ross Dress for Less store located at the intersection of FM 1488 and FM 2978 earlier this month.

Jon David Fletcher (left) and Brian Jacob VanOrman (right) were identified as the suspects involved in allegedly setting the fire inside the store shortly before closing.

According to MCFMO, on July 3, just before closing time two men entered the store approximately three minutes apart.

Each man asked to speak with the store manager upon entering the building. While waiting to speak with the store manager, one man walked toward the back of the store and set fire to clothing and wicker furnishings on a display rack.

A quick-thinking employee grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher and was able to control the fire until the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department arrived. Other employees began to evacuate the customers still in the store. However, during the evacuation both men fled the building unidentified.

MCFMO worked with the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab, SWAT and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives during the investigation.

According to MCFMO, information obtained during the investigation led investigators to Fletcher and VanOrman.

“Investigators from the MCFMO were able to obtain evidence that tied both suspects to the crime,” MCFMO stated.

Fletcher was arrested July 28 and placed in the Montgomery County Jail. As of press time last week Brian VanOrman was believed to be a fugitive and may be staying in Montgomery County, San Marcos or Leander. All are places that VanOrman is known to have ties with, according to MCFMO.

VanOrman is 27 years old, 6’01” and approximately 225 pounds.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of VanOrman is requested to contact MCFMO at 936-538-8288. Persons with information who wish to remain anonymous may also contact Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 800-392-7867 or visit the Crime Stoppers website at montgomerycountycrimestoppers.org.

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