Michigan man arrested after woman, her dog and cat die in house fire

FLINT, Mich. (TCD) -- A 31-year-old man faces charges after allegedly starting a residential fire earlier this month that killed a 43-year-old woman.

According to a news release from Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, in the early hours of Saturday, Feb. 3, Flint Township Police responded to a home on Helber Street after Angela Craig called 911 and reported that Chad Egan was "banging on her door repeatedly and she wanted him to leave."

Officers spoke with Egan at the scene, and he left. Police tried but failed to make contact with Craig following the incident. Around one hour later, shortly after 4 a.m., police and firefighters were called to Craig's home for a residential fire. On their way to the victim's home, emergency responders passed Egan as he was walking on Lavelle Road.

Flint Township Fire Department personnel located Craig inside her home, and she was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to a news release from police.

Criag died of smoke inhalation, and her cat and dog were found deceased in the fire as well, Leyton announced.

Police went back to the area of Lavelle Road, located Egan, and took him into custody.

Investigators obtained surveillance footage reportedly showing Egan walking toward and away from Craig's home multiple times, as well as in the front yard of an abandoned house nearby.

Officers observed a "lighter light up and then Egan walking across the street and off camera," according to Leyton.

The footage reportedly shows houses in the neighborhood "lit up from Craig's home on fire."

Police said Egan was booked into the Genesee County Jail on charges of homicide –– felony murder, first-degree arson, and habitual offender –– fourth offense.

MORE:

• Press Release - Flint Township Police Department
• Proseuctor Leyton Charges Man with Murder in Arson Death of a Woman - Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton - Genesee County Prosecutor's Office