Benjamin M. Barnes
/ Courtesy State Police
SCRIBA -- A Fulton man was arrested after a Monday evening accident led state troopers to a burglary and intentionally started fire. Bath salts may be involved.
According to the New York State Police, troopers and fire personnel were called to 296 White Road in the Town of Parish, due to a fire at around 5:45 PM. The ensuing investigation revealed that the fire had been intentionally set and that the unoccupied residence had been burglarized. They came to this conclusion because a 12 gauge shotgun round had been discharged in the residence.
At around 7:40 PM, troopers responded a report of a two car accident on County Route 29 in the Town of Scriba in which the driver of a Chevy Tracker ran from the scene. Shortly after, troopers identified 28-year-old Benjamin M. Barnes of 819 Rowlee Road in Fulton and arrested him for DWI.
Police say that as Barnes was being processed, he was found to be in possession of several items of jewelry that he could not explain possessing. On Tuesday, the jewelry was positively identified as belonging to the victim of the White Road burglary and Barnes was arrested for burglary, arson and criminal possession of a weapon.
Barnes reportedly told the troopers that he was high on bath salts at the time.
Barnes was arraigned by the Town of Parish and sent to Oswego County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or a $20,000 secured bond.
