Carson City suspect in house fire found dead at Duck Hill
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 7:15pm
The suspect who fired a single gun shot tonight in the area of an arson fire early this morning on Garnet Way and Duck Hill has been found dead.
The gunshot was heard around 7 p.m., and authorities spent more than two hours searching for the suspect, Robert McCleary, who was wanted for questioning after reportedly setting his home on fire and leaving surreptitious messages.
Investigators combing the fire scene discovered multiple fire origin locations and numerous weapons destroyed in the fire. It is unknown weather or not McCleary retrieved any weapons prior to the fire but Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong confirmed that it was McCleary who was found and that he died of a gunshot wound.
Neighbors had reported to police a gray car with California license plates was seen at the McCleary residence recently. Furlong noted that McCleary was the person of interest in the apparent suicide, the house fire this morning and an on-going investigation of substantial fraud. The body of McCleary was found at around 9:30 this evening.
The single gun shot is believed to have come from a large caliber gun. Nearby residents were asked to stay away from the area, described as hilly with outcroppings and a mine shaft. A Raven helicopter had been buzzing the area where McCleary was believed to be located. Also a K9 unit from Douglas County was called to bring in dogs for the nightfall search.
Information coming into Carson Now is via police scanner traffic, Sheriff Furlong and witnesses reporting to Carson Now. Live coverage can also be found at www.NevadaAppeal.com.
