Medina man charged with arson for fire last month on Bates Road

MEDINA – A Medina man has been charged with arson for a fire last month on Bates Road that forced the evacuation of residents from the home.

Zach Natale, 31, today was charged with second-degree arson, second-degree burglary and reckless endangerment in the first degree, Medina Police Chief Todd Draper said.

Medina police and the Medina Fire Department responded to the fire on Dec. 17 at Bates Road, with assistance from other local fire departments.

The cause of the fire was investigated and the preliminary investigation determined the fire to be suspicious in nature.

Following an extensive joint investigation, Natale was charged today, Draper said.

Following processing at the Medina Police Department, Natale was transported to the Orleans County jail for arraignment.

The primary investigating officer on this case was Ofc. Dustin Meredith. Draper said the Medina PD appreciates the joint investigative efforts of the Medina Police Department, Medina Fire Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, and the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

“We would like to also thank all mutual Departments, Orleans County dispatchers, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 unit,” Draper said.