By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
LINCOLN COUNTY – A man facing multiple felony charges, including arson, appeared in Lincoln County court on Friday, Aug. 20, where bond was set at $100,000.
Aaron Baumann, age 40, of Merrill, is accused of starting numerous fires at a residence in Lincoln County earlier this week.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, Aug. 19 said it was investigating a “suspicious” house fire that was reported earlier that morning.
According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, the owners of the home reported that they woke up to the smell of smoke shortly before 5 a.m. Upon investigating, they found that an exterior wall of the house was on fire. The homeowners also discovered “other small fires around the yard,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
While the homeowners attempted to put out the fire, they allegedly observed Baumann attempting to start the homeowner’s pickup truck on fire. Baumann allegedly fled upon seeing the homeowners.
Upon arrival on the scene, K9 Nina and her handler tracked Baumann to his residence, where he was later taken into custody.
According to court records, Baumann faces felony charges of arson, first-degree reckless injury, first-degree endangering safety and manufacturing/delivering THC (>200-1000g), along with a misdemeanor charge of possessing drug paraphernalia.
Baumann is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 30 for a status conference.