City man jailed on $200K bond for suspected arson

YOUNGSTOWN — A city man is in Mahoning County jail charged with setting fire to the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority apartment in which he lives.

Michael Collins, 50, of Burlington Street, appeared today before Judge Elizabeth Kobly of Youngstown Municipal Court for arraignment on an aggravated-arson charge. He was arrested Thursday leaving a house in the 400 block of Idora Avenue.

Prosecutors, during the arraignment, explained to the court that Collins has a somewhat lengthy criminal history that includes forgery, tampering with evidence, breaking and entering and domestic violence. They said Collins is believed to have done other damage to the property, and YMHA property managers are fearful he will do more damage if released from jail.

Collins told the court he has a job and asked to be released from jail and placed on house arrest. Judge Kobly replied, “Oh no,” then set his bond at $200,000.

Collins is scheduled to appear in Youngstown Municipal Court for a preliminary hearing next Friday.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com