Suspect believed to have killed father, set home ablaze arrested after manhunt
A suspect believed to have killed his father and set fire to the home to cover it up was arrested following a manhunt, law enforcement officials in New York said early on Sunday.
The suspect, Thomas Ryan, 32, was considered armed and dangerous, New York State Police said in a statement Friday. At the time, they said he was known to frequent the Plattsburgh area in Clinton County.
On Thursday, investigators responded to a fire at a residence on Greenville Turnpike in Greenville, Orange County. After the fire was extinguished, the body of a deceased man was found inside the residence, state police said.
A preliminary investigation revealed the fire was deliberately set and state police are investigating the death as a homicide, police said.
The victim has been identified by New York State Police as 70-year-old Robert Ryan, Thomas Ryan's father. Robert Ryan retired to Orange County while the rest of the family lives on Long Island, according to law enforcement sources.
"Thomas Ryan did not reside with his father at the time of the incident and has no other known current ties to the Greenville community," New York State Police said Saturday.
"Investigators have determined that Thomas has lived a transient lifestyle, staying at numerous shelters throughout New York State. Investigators have followed up on these locations and continue to immediately and thoroughly investigate all tips and reported sightings," police said.
Investigators are conducting an extensive video canvass expanding outward from the crime scene to reconstruct the suspect’s movements, police said.
Ring video obtained by ABC News appears to show Ryan running from the burning house.
Extra State Police patrols have been deployed to the town of Greenville and surrounding communities, police said.
Investigators are also looking into Ryan’s mental health history, the sources said.
Stephanie Coiro, the victim's daughter, told ABC News her father did not deserve to be killed.
"My Dad was a pillar in our family and every community he was a part of. He made you feel welcome, he helped when you needed, and then some. He had more character in his pinky than most in their whole bodies, he did not deserve this," she said.
Ryan is 6 foot 2 inches and approximately 200 pounds. Prior to his capture, he was last seen in the area of Greenville Turnpike wearing black sweatpants and a black t-shirt, according to police.
Ryan was believed to be operating a 2016 gray Toyota Prius with a New York license plate, HNH-7671, police said. He was also known to travel by train, and investigators are coordinating with rail transportation partners, police said.
The New York State Police asked residents of the Greenville community to review any available home surveillance footage recorded from approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday through the overnight hours. Those who observed suspicious activity were urged to contact the New York State Police immediately.
Anyone with information about him were asked to contact New York State Police Troop F Communications at (845) 344-5300 or call 911. Tips can be emailed to FBCICrimeTips@troopers.ny.gov.
-ABC News' Aaron Katersky and Jessica Gorman contributed to this report.
