A manhunt is underway in Orange County after New York State Police identified a suspect in connection with a homicide that preceded a fatal house fire in Greenville.
Investigators are searching for 32-year-old Thomas David Ryan, who police say is wanted in connection with the homicide.
The investigation began around 7:30 p.m. Thursday when emergency crews responded to a home on Greenville Turnpike that was engulfed in flames.
While firefighters battled the blaze, one person was found dead inside the home. State police said the victim is believed to have been killed before the house was intentionally set on fire.
The victim, identified as 70-year-old Robert Ryan, had previously served time at Rikers Island and lived alone at the Greenville home following a divorce after 30 years of marriage, with his girlfriend living on Long Island.
Before retiring from the state, Robert Ryan worked at Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center and Kings Park Psychiatric Center, working as a superintendent of maintenance.
Police said Ryan was last seen in the area of Greenville Turnpike wearing a black T-shirt and black sweatpants. Authorities believe he is driving a 2016 gray Toyota Prius with New York license plate HNH-7671.
“Ryan is 6’2″ 200 lbs and was last seen in the area of Greenville [Turnpike] wearing black sweatpants and a black t shirt. Anyone coming in contact with Ryan is advised to use caution,” NYSP said.
New York State Police warn the suspect is armed and dangerous.
“The New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation is asking residents of the Greenville community to review any available home surveillance footage recorded from approximately 6:00 p.m. on August 6, through the overnight hours. Anyone who observes suspicious activity is urged to contact the New York State Police immediately.”
Neighbors provided News 12 with surveillance video, shared with the family’s permission, that appears to show Thomas Ryan carrying chopped wood toward the home in a garbage can before the fire and running away from the property after the fire was ignited.
“Dad was an incredible person and didn’t deserve this,” Coiro said.
“He was so giving.”
Coiro says her brother had previously served time at Rikers Island.
Following the fire, State Police detectives, including officers carrying long guns and K-9 search teams, responded to the scene. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation.
State Police are now working with neighboring police departments, crime analysis centers, transportation partners, and aviation resources to try to find Ryan.
In the viral moment that emerged Friday morning, New York State Police issued a public alert seeking Thomas David Ryan, 32, who is wanted in connection to a homicide that happened at a home in Greenville. The investigation began around 7:30 p.m. Thursday when emergency crews responded to a home on Greenville Turnpike that was engulfed in flames. While firefighters battled the blaze, one person was found dead inside the home. State police said the victim is believed to have been killed before the house was intentionally set on fire.
Thomas David Ryan, 32, is at large in connection with a homicide investigation centered around the scene of a house fire at 512 Greenville Turnpike, police say.
Anyone who sees Ryan or knows where he may be is asked to contact the State Police Middletown Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300 or call 911 immediately.