Armed Suspect Sought After Fatal Orange County House Fire
State Police say a Greenville fire was deliberately set and a man found dead inside is the victim of a homicide investigation.
An armed suspect sought by New York State Police remained the focus of a homicide investigation Friday after investigators said a deadly house fire in Greenville, Orange County, was deliberately set. Police identified the person they are trying to locate as Thomas David Ryan, 32, of Greenville, and warned the public not to approach him.
Deadly Fire Leads to Homicide Investigation
New York State Police said troopers from the Greenville barracks responded at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, to a reported structure fire at a residence on Greenville Turnpike.
After firefighters extinguished the blaze, investigators found the body of a deceased man inside the home.
The preliminary investigation determined that the fire had been deliberately set, according to State Police. Authorities are now investigating the man’s death as a homicide.
ABC7 New York also reported Friday that investigators believe the victim was killed before the residence was intentionally set on fire.
Police had not publicly identified the victim in the original State Police release.
Who Are Police Looking For?
State Police said they are trying to locate Thomas David Ryan, 32, in connection with the investigation.
Authorities provided the following description:
- Name: Thomas David Ryan
- Age: 32
- Residence: Greenville, New York
- Height: 6 feet, 2 inches
- Weight: Approximately 200 pounds
- Last known clothing: Black sweatpants and a black T-shirt
- Vehicle: 2016 gray Toyota Prius
- New York license plate: HNH-7671
Ryan was last reported seen in the Greenville Turnpike area.
Police Issue an Armed-and-Dangerous Warning
State Police described Ryan as “ARMED and DANGEROUS.”
Authorities are urging residents not to approach or attempt to detain him.
“Anyone coming into contact with Ryan should use extreme caution and contact 911 immediately,” State Police said.
The warning is especially important because an active search can quickly produce unverified information on social media. Residents should rely on official law-enforcement updates rather than rumors about possible sightings.
What Residents Should Do
Anyone who believes they see Ryan should:
- Do not approach him.
- Do not attempt to follow or confront him.
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Call 911 immediately with the location and description.
- Provide information about the vehicle only if it can be done safely.
People with information about the homicide investigation who are not reporting an immediate emergency can contact the New York State Police Middletown Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300.
Investigation Remains Active
The case was unfolding rapidly Friday, Aug. 7.
State Police had established several significant preliminary findings: one man was found dead inside the residence, investigators believe the fire was intentionally set, the death is being investigated as a homicide, and authorities are seeking Ryan in connection with the case.
However, important questions remain unanswered publicly.
Police have not announced:
- The victim’s identity
- A possible motive
- The exact manner in which the victim died
- What evidence links Ryan to the investigation
- Whether criminal charges have been filed against Ryan
Those details should not be assumed until investigators or prosecutors release additional information.
Being Sought Is Not the Same as Being Convicted
Police identifying someone as a suspect or person sought in connection with an investigation does not establish guilt.
Ryan should be presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors file charges and those charges are proven in court.
That distinction is particularly important during fast-moving criminal investigations, when initial information can change as detectives gather physical evidence, interview witnesses and receive laboratory or autopsy findings.
A Community on Alert
The investigation has placed Greenville and surrounding areas of Orange County on alert while law enforcement searches for Ryan.
Police warnings involving someone believed to be armed require residents to take precautions without creating unnecessary panic. The safest response is to stay aware, avoid attempting to investigate possible sightings personally and contact authorities when credible information emerges.
The State Police investigation was continuing as of Friday.
What We Know
What happened?
A man was found dead after firefighters extinguished a house fire on Greenville Turnpike in Orange County.
Was the fire accidental?
State Police say their preliminary investigation determined that the fire was deliberately set.
Why is it a homicide investigation?
State Police are investigating the man’s death as a homicide. ABC7 reported that investigators believe he was killed before the home was set on fire.
Who are police looking for?
Thomas David Ryan, 32, of Greenville.
Should residents approach him?
No. State Police say he is believed to be armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him should contact 911 immediately.
Public Assistance Could Be Critical
Cases like this often depend on information gathered from many sources, including witnesses, surveillance footage, vehicle sightings and tips from the public.
Residents who saw unusual activity in the Greenville Turnpike area Thursday evening or who have information relevant to the investigation should contact investigators.
At the same time, the public should avoid sharing unconfirmed accusations or locations online. Incorrect information can create additional risks for residents and law enforcement.
Anyone encountering Ryan should use extreme caution and call 911.
Anyone with information about the investigation can contact the State Police Middletown BCI at 845-344-5300.
The Utica Phoenix will update this story as verified information becomes available.
