Federal charges, including arson, filed for man accused of setting deputy's home on fire

MCCLAIN COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) – The man accused of setting a McClain County deputy’s cars and house on fire will now face federal charges.

28-year-old Austin Garrett Reeves was charged with arson in Indian Country, burglary in the third degree, and felon in possession of a firearm through the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.

Reeves reportedly set a McClain County deputy’s car and house on fire Saturday morning. A neighbor’s surveillance camera caught who police believe was Reeves leaving the scene, setting himself on fire in the process.

According to court documents, when Reeves was arrested at his home in Norman on Saturday afternoon, investigators found a large burn on the left side of his body. His car and boots smelled of gasoline, according to records.

McClain County Sheriff Landy Offolter said Monday he still could not understand how Reeves was free in the first place.

"That's the biggest (question) I'd like to know the answer to," said Offolter.

Reeves was arrested early Friday morning for allegedly burglarizing cars at the same deputy’s home. He reportedly stole a gun during the burglary. He was transferred to Lighthorse police custody because he was a tribal member. Hours later, however, he was released.

KFOR reached out to Lighthorse Police and the Chickasaw District Attorney’s office to find out why Reeves was released and no charges were filed. A spokesperson for Chickasaw Nation said they would provide News 4 information by airtime, but that information was never received.

"I've been in law enforcement now 47 years, and I've never seen that happen here in Oklahoma before," said Offolter.

Court records showed Reeves reportedly burglarized two more homes in the area days prior to the fire at the deputy’s home. Items were found in Reeves' car reported stolen from those crimes.

Offolter said he was still working to determine a motive.

"My deputy never had contact with this subject before, and he really wasn't even involved in the arrest the night before,” said Offolter. “That was some other detectives, so I really don't know, and he doesn't either."

The community has rallied around the deputy and his family, whose name has not been released by McClain County. They lost everything in the fire. Donation drives and a GoFundMe page have helped raise needed clothing and supplies, as well as more than $25,000.