Several cats dead, others rescued after man intentionally set home on fire
OAKDALE, Minn. -- Police in Oakdale say five cats are dead after a man says he intentionally set his home on fire.
The Oakdale fire and police departments responded to a report of a structure fire on the 1100 block of Granada Avenue shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday.
The Oakdale Police Department says its officers made contact with Joshua Buhl,,42, at the scene who was also the single resident and occupant of the home. Buhl allegedly stated that he started the fire using a lighter.
Police said Buhl "made the utterance there might be narcotics in his pocket" and began to behave erratically.
During an interview with investigators, Buhl said he believed hackers were out to get him and that his brother stole his identity. He said he started the fire to get the attention of law enforcement and was under the influence of methamphetamine.
Charging documents say Buhl told officers there were about 12 cats living in his home. Of those, 4-5 cats were rescued and placed in the care of an animal shelter.
Recovery efforts are still ongoing for at least one of the cats in the residence that officers heard meowing inside the residence during a search but were unable to locate.
Buhl was charged Tuesday with one count of first-degree arson and five counts of animal cruelty.
