Oklahoma Firefighter Charged in Arson Where Body Was Discovered

Posted by: Curt Varone August 13, 2011 0

A volunteer firefighter in Osage County, Oklahoma has been charged with setting an August 3, 2011 fire that damaged several structures and consumed 300 acres. What has investigators puzzled was the discovery of human remains inside a school bus that was damaged in the blaze.

Dustin William Koelliker, 39, a member of the Sand Creek Fire Department, is accused of setting the fire and endangering human life. He is being held on $100,000 bond.

The fire is reported to have destroyed one house, damaged another, and damaged several mobile homes, outbuildings, tractor trailers, a boat, a motorcycle, a greenhouse, and approximately 300 acres.

The body was found in a bus that belongs to Koelliker’s stepfather, Daniel Glenn Clark, who is serving time for child molestation. The bus was apparently being used for storage. Police have not identified the remains, which are being sent for DNA testing. Koelliler has not been accused of any offenses related to the body. He was terminated by the fire department.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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