A multiday search for an armed and dangerous New York fugitive ended Sunday when police arrested Thomas David Ryan in Schoharie County. Ryan is suspected of killing his 70-year-old father, Robert Ryan, and deliberately setting fire to the family home in Greenville. The arrest followed a search involving state and local agencies, the FBI and the NYPD. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive, the precise cause of death or the charges Ryan may face.
New York State Police said Ryan, 32, was taken into custody in the Gilboa area. Investigators had been looking for him since Robert Ryan was found dead inside the burning home Thursday evening. Police had warned the public not to approach Ryan and instead to call 911 if he was seen.
The investigation included surveillance reviews, checks of locations where Ryan had previously stayed or worked, and coordination with rail operators because he was known to travel by train. Police also believed he had left in his father’s gray 2016 Toyota Prius.
| No. | Article Subheadings |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrest ends the statewide search |
| 2 | Fire investigation becomes homicide case |
| 3 | Police trace movements and vehicle |
| 4 | Multiple agencies join the manhunt |
| 5 | Key details remain undisclosed |
Arrest Ends the Statewide Search
Police arrested Thomas David Ryan, 32, on Sunday in the Gilboa area of Schoharie County, New York. The arrest ended several days of searching after investigators identified Ryan as a suspect in the death of his father, Robert Ryan. Authorities did not explain how Ryan was located or provide details about the arrest, saying additional information would be released later.
The search extended beyond Greenville as investigators considered Ryan’s reported connections to other parts of the state. Police had described him as armed and dangerous and repeatedly urged members of the public to avoid contact with him.
Fire Investigation Becomes Homicide Case
The case began at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday, when state troopers responded to a house fire on Greenville Turnpike in Greenville, in Orange County. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, a man was found dead inside the residence. Police later identified him as Robert Ryan, who was 70.
Investigators determined that the fire had been intentionally set and began treating the death as a homicide. The circumstances of Robert Ryan’s death have not been released, and officials have not stated whether the fire itself caused or contributed to his death.
Police Trace Movements and Vehicle
Investigators believed Ryan left the scene in his father’s gray 2016 Toyota Prius. Police reviewed surveillance footage from homes and businesses to reconstruct his movements after the killing. Residents in Greenville and nearby communities were asked to check recordings from approximately 6 p.m. Thursday through the overnight hours.
According to State Police, Ryan did not live with his father and had no other known ties to the Greenville area at the time. Investigators also checked shelters where he had stayed and locations connected to his past work. His reported familiarity with train travel led police to coordinate with rail operators while the search was underway.
Multiple Agencies Join the Manhunt
The investigation brought together the FBI, NYPD, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Middletown and Port Jervis. Several State Police investigative units and other state and county agencies also participated.
The broad response reflected the uncertainty surrounding Ryan’s whereabouts and the warning that he might be armed. Police searched across jurisdictions, reviewed video evidence and followed leads tied to Ryan’s previous residences, workplaces and travel patterns.
Key Details Remain Undisclosed
Authorities have not announced a possible motive, explained how Robert Ryan died or identified the charges expected against Thomas David Ryan. They also have not released details about evidence recovered during the arrest or whether Ryan has appeared in court.
The arrest marks a significant development, but the investigation remains active. Officials are expected to provide further information as they process evidence and determine the next legal steps in the case.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas David Ryan was arrested Sunday in Gilboa, New York. |
| 2 | His father, Robert Ryan, was found dead inside a burning Greenville home. |
| 3 | Police determined the fire was deliberately set. |
| 4 | Investigators believed Ryan fled in a gray 2016 Toyota Prius. |
| 5 | A motive and potential charges have not been disclosed. |
Summary
The arrest of Thomas David Ryan gives investigators custody of the suspect in a case involving the death of his father and a deliberately set house fire. Authorities must still establish the circumstances of the killing, determine a motive and announce any charges. The investigation remains active as agencies process evidence gathered during the search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Thomas David Ryan, 32, was arrested in the Gilboa area of Schoharie County, New York.
What is Ryan suspected of doing?
He is suspected of killing his father, Robert Ryan, and setting fire to the family home in Greenville. Police determined the fire was intentional.
What information has not been released?
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive, how Robert Ryan died, how Ryan was located or what charges he may face.
Where did the arrest occur?
Ryan was taken into custody in the Gilboa area of Schoharie County, after investigators searched across multiple jurisdictions and followed leads involving his movements and travel patterns.
