Investigators in two counties are trying to piece together a bizarre series of events starting with an arson, and ending with a homeowner tied up.
An explosion and fire destroys the Wardrobe Spa at 168 & Harrison St. on October 7. The State Fire Marshals Office says it was arson and at this point, they're still investigating who tampered with the natural gas system.
Two days later the spa's owner, Michael McKernan, calls Douglas County Sheriff's to say his storage unit was broken into. Authorities say nothing was taken but a threatening message was left; "Spa No Mas Rebild no Optshun." The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says they're in contact with the NE Fire Marshal and Valley Police.
"We continue to investigate. There's some inconsistencies we're trying to clear up however the victim, in this case, is no longer cooperating with us so we're just doing the best we can to put the details together," said DSCO Chief Dep. Tom Wheeler.
Then at 1:30 am on October 11, Valley Police find McKernan tied up in a back garage in his Ginger Cove home. He tells them 2-3 Hispanic males accosted him. A Facebook post just prior to the alleged incident shows what was apparently used to tie him up. He told police he was smoking a ham, and they told him to use his zip ties he was using to put up décor to tie himself up. Police say the smoker was cold to the touch, and nothing supported his statement saying the men came or left his home. No suspects have been identified. Investigators are still trying to figure out if crimes were committed and by whom.
The owner of the Wardrobe Spa was just outside the building when it exploded. Neither he or anyone else, was hurt. His attorney Jim Schaefer told KMTV last week he was cooperating with the investigations.
