OTSEGO, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Sept. 24, 2025) – A 37-year-old Otsego man was arraigned on Tuesday for various charges stemming from an alleged arson attack at a wooden playground in the southeast Allegan County community earlier this month.
A day after the Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney’s office authorized counts of third-degree arson, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and being a four-time habitual offender against Michael Louis Kilbourn, he was ordered held on $200,000 bond in 57th District Court. He had already been in the Allegan County Jail following a September 10th arrest on charges involving an unrelated burglary.
These new counts come following a September 2nd overnight incident in which a blaze engulfed the wooden playground structure at Northside Park. Firefighters were able to contain the flames from spreading to the entire play area. The park reopened two days later, and city officials say that the site will be rebuilt, at a cost of between $40,000 and $50,000, through insurance money.
In addition, an unnamed teen allegedly involved in this incident was also charged with third-degree arson, and this matter will be heard through the county’s juvenile justice system.
The case remains open, and anyone with any information on the matter is asked to contact the Otsego Police Department (269-692-6111) or Allegan County Silent Observer (800-554-3633).
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