Man accused of burning building, attacking CG station pleads insanity.

Krueger

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

HART — The man accused of burning down a building near Mears and then allegedly attacked Coast Guard Station Grand Haven pleaded not guilty by reasons of insanity this morning in 27th Circuit Court.

Matthew Lawrence Krueger, 33 has been remanded to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Ann Arbor for treatment, according to Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. Two weeks ago, he was allowed to plead not guilty by reason of insanity in Ottawa County’s 20th Circuit Court and also reprimanded to the psychiatry center in Ann Arbor for 60 days; a determination will be made after that whether he requires additional treatment.

On Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, Krueger allegedly burned down a building described as a hobby garage, located at the end of Deer Road on 34th Avenue/B-15. The garage was decorated to look like a 1950s-style garage and served as somewhat of a landmark in the Silver Lake area. Seven vehicles parked inside were destroyed, Hart Fire Chief Ken Klotz said, and the building is a total loss.

The building, which was insured, was purchased by Krueger’s parents a few years ago. He was seen in the area before the fire, officials said, and was the last known occupant of the building, apparently living in it.

According to previous reports in OCP, Krueger allegedly burned the Mears building down then traveled to Grand Haven and attacked the U.S. Coast Guard station there.

In Oceana County he faced the following charges:

– Count I, first-degree arson, which carries a maximum life sentence and/or a $20,000 fine;

– Count II, second-degree arson, which carries a 20-year sentence and/or a $20,000 fine;

– Count III, arson – preparation to burn property of value of $20,000 or more, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine.

– Count IV, arson – preparation to burn real insured property, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine.