New York State Police arrested Thomas David Ryan, 32, on Sunday in Schoharie County, concluding a manhunt for a fugitive suspected of killing his father and intentionally setting their shared home on fire. Ryan had been sought since Thursday evening.
Authorities responded to a house fire on Greenville Turnpike in Orange County around 7:30 p.m. Thursday. After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters discovered the body of 70-year-old Robert Ryan inside the residence. Investigators determined the fire was deliberately set and began treating Robert Ryan's death as a homicide.
Police identified Thomas David Ryan as the suspect and initiated a search, describing him as "armed and dangerous." He did not reside with his father and had no other known ties to the Greenville area at the time of the incident.
Investigators believed Ryan fled in his father’s 2016 gray Toyota Prius. The search extended across New York, with police urging the public not to approach him and to call 911 if spotted.
Surveillance footage from homes and businesses was reviewed to trace Ryan's movements. Residents in Greenville and surrounding communities were asked to review footage from Thursday evening through the following night. Authorities also explored shelters where Ryan had previously stayed and areas he frequented, including Plattsburgh, which is over 200 miles north of Greenville. Efforts involved checking with rail operators, as Ryan was known to travel by train.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, NYPD, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in Middletown and Port Jervis, in addition to various State Police units and other state and county agencies.
Details regarding the manner of Robert Ryan's death, a potential motive, and the specific charges Thomas Ryan will face have not yet been disclosed by authorities. Information about Ryan's capture was also limited, with police stating more details would be released later.