Man accused of Ross department store arson surrenders after two years on the run

He's been on the run since 2011 while his co-defendant already plead guilty

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A man who investigators say is responsible for starting a fire inside a department store has been arrested.

The fire happened just before closing time at a Ross on July 3, 2011.

Recommended Videos



According to detectives with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Jon Fletcher and Brian Van Orman set fire to the store in an attempt to divert attention from their plans to rob the store.

Investigators say the pair panicked with other customers in the store, then fled the scene. But they were captured on the store's security cameras.

Fletcher was arrested in July 2011 and pleaded guilty for his role in the arson.

Van Orman fled the area before he could be arrested and has been hiding ever since, deputies said.

On June 14, Van Orman surrendered at the Montgomery County Jail on charges of arson and an unrelated charge of forgery.

Van Orman posted $105,000 total bond and is awaiting trial.