ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A court case against the Rapid River man accused of setting fire to a local business has been stalled due to the results of a competency exam.
Just after midnight on September 1, Michigan State Police troopers responded to an arson attack on the Rapid River Pub. Staff and customers were present at the time, and witnesses believed the fire had been set intentionally.
Following an investigation, police arrested 33-year-old Steven Prestridge. On September 18, a judge ordered a competency examination for Prestridge.
According to the Delta County’s 94th District Court, Prestridge has since undergone the examination. He was found incompetent but restorable, meaning that the arson case will remain in a holding pattern until there is an available bed for him “at the appropriate facility.” Once he is at such a facility, the doctors will provide updates on his competency to the court.
WZMQ 19 will continue to follow this case as it develops.
