Roseburg Man Charged With First-Degree Arson After Reported Gas Leak at Apartment
A Roseburg man was arrested on arson charges following a January incident involving a reported natural gas leak at an apartment on SE Kane Street. Investigators say fire damage was found near a kitchen range and a gas line had been removed.
ROSEBURG, Ore. — A Roseburg man has been arrested on arson-related charges following a January incident that prompted an emergency response over concerns of a natural gas leak.
According to the Roseburg Police Department, officers and Roseburg Fire Department crews responded on Jan. 19, 2026, to a report of a possible gas leak at a residence in the 700 block of SE Kane Street. Fire personnel entered the apartment and located the resident, identified as Steven Lee Snedegar, 74, inside.
During the response, investigators discovered fire damage behind the kitchen range and determined that the apartment’s gas line had been intentionally removed, according to a subsequent fire marshal investigation.
Police said Snedegar was transported to Mercy Medical Center for evaluation. While being treated, he allegedly made statements indicating he had attempted to cause an explosion at the apartment following a dispute with his landlord.
Snedegar was later contacted by officers on Jan. 29 and taken into custody.
He is facing charges of first-degree arson and recklessly endangering another person. The investigation remains ongoing.
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