Manistee man arrested in connection to Hi-Way Bar fire.

Fortier

Manistee man arrested in connection to Hi-Way Bar fire.

MANISTEE — Josh Fortier, 45, of Manistee, has been arraigned on arson charges in connection to the Aug. 11 fire at the Hi Way Bar, 715 Kosciusko St. 

Fortier was arraigned on Wednesday, Sept. 16 in 85th District Court on one county of first degree arson, a felony punishable by up to life imprisonment and/or a $20,000 or three times the value of the property damaged or destroyed. 

Upon arrival, firefighters from Manistee Fire Department found flames at the rear of the building. The upstairs occupants of the building were assisted by Manistee Police Department officers. Multiple fire departments assisted at the scene, including Mason County’s Grant Township Fire Department. 

The Manistee City Police Department, assisted by Michigan State Police Fire Marshal Division and the Manistee County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the incident which was determined to be arson.

Bail was set at $200,000 cash/surety. Fortier is currently lodged at the Manistee County Jail.

Anyone with information reference this incident is encouraged to contact the Manistee City Police Department at 231-723-2533. 

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