VBFD Fire Investigators Arrest Arson Suspect in Wessex Lane Fire

Less than a week after crews responded to a two-story residential fire on Sunday, Feb. 4, at 11:59 p.m., in the 1000 block of Wessex Lane, Virginia Beach Fire Investigators have arrested Michael Deatherage and charged him with Arson to an Occupied Structure. 18.2-77.

After a lengthy exam of the fire scene, statements from witnesses and other evidence collected by the investigators, Mr. Deatherage was taken into custody on Thursday, Feb. 8 and is currently in the Virginia Beach Correctional Center awaiting arraignment that is scheduled for today at 2 p.m.

When crews arrived, the two-story residential was fully engulfed with heavy fire and smoke showing from the second story and roof. Three adults and two pets were displaced; however, no injuries were reported of civilians, firefighters, or pets.