Ludington fires and Wishing Well robbery may be connected

LUDINGTON – Two people have been arrested in connection with last week’s suspected arson fires in Ludington and Sunday’s breaking and entering of the Wishing Well gas station in Pentwater Township.

SEE VIDEO OF WISHING WELL ROBBERY BELOW

On Monday, Travis Malone, 17, Ludington, was arraigned in Oceana County District Court for breaking and entering of the Business U.S. 31 business. On Tuesday, Ludington Police and Mason County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at 606 N. Gaylord Ave., Ludington, and arrested Marshall Jennings Brault, 19 of Ludington on a criminal bench warrant for probation violation.

Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett said Brault and Malone are both persons of interest in the investigation of the October 17 fires which destroyed a house on North William Street and caused damage to a storage building on North Robert Street.

Barnett also said Ludington Police, Mason County Sheriff’s Office and Oceana County Sheriff’s Office are collaborating in the investigation of the breaking and entering of the Wishing Well and an unauthorized driving away of an auto from a Ludington residence early Saturday morning.

A vehicle was driven into the Wishing Well early Sunday morning, causing considerable damage to the building, its inventory and to fuel equipment. The business owners have announced, on the Wishing Well Facebook page, that the store is temporarily closed.

Malone

Brault was scheduled to be transferred to Oceana County Jail for arraignment.

Ludington police are requesting anyone with photographs, video or any other information related to the fires on North William or North Robert contact Det. J.B. Wells at (231) 843-3425. Information about the Wishing Well incident should be directed to the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office.