The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department (JCSD) reports Michael Joseph Kreiss faces felony reckless endangerment and theft charges.
JCSD released a statement saying an investigation was launched earlier this month after Jackson County 911 received reports of a strong gas odor near 6436 Jennings Creek Highway.
Fire Departments responded to the scene where they discovered gas leaking from an AmeriGas propane tank after a regulator and copper lining were missing. JCSD reports the gas leak could have caused an explosion in the North Springs community.
An investigation was launched Jan. 6 with warrants placed for Kreiss’ arrest shortly after. Kreiss was discovered in Red Boiling Springs Wednesday and taken into custody by Macon County deputies.
Kreiss is currently being held on $4,000 bond at the Jackson County Jail.