HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 41-year-old Hutchinson man arrested on arson and drug charges Tuesday stemming from a fire at a vacant mobile home made a first appearance in District Court Wednesday morning.
Troy Petz was taken to jail on suspicion of arson, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and criminal trespass. In court, he was told of the potential charges and managed to convince Senior Judge William “Buck” Lyle to reduce the bond from $10,000 to $7,500, however he is also jailed for violation of a protection order with a $1,000 bond.
Fireman responded to the 2200 block of East 4th around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the trailer. They say the fire was controlled in 10 minutes with units on scene for about two hours.
The trailer which was empty and had no utility service was valued at around $5,000 and is a total loss.
Petz will be back in court next Wednesday or whenever the state files formal charges.
He does have a prior conviction for driving under the influence for a Harvey County case going back to 2009.