Fire destroys home on Garnet Way

Investigators were searching for a Carson City man after his home burned down early Friday morning and ominous messages were found spray-painted on his fence and garage.

Sheriff Ken Furlong said they do not believe that Robert David McCleary Jr., 58, died in the 4:20 a.m. blaze. The fire destroyed his house, garage and two vehicles sitting on just under three acres on Garnet Way.

Since last year, McCleary has been under investigation by the Carson City Sheriff's Office for allegedly fleecing an elderly neighbor out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Furlong said investigators searched the rubble of the burned home for a body and came up empty.

"The incident is under investigation by the Sheriff's Office and Fire Department for suspected arson," said Furlong. "Investigators combing the scene have discovered multiple fire-origin locations and numerous weapons (destroyed in the fire).  It is unknown weather or not Mr. McCleary (or anyone) retrieved any weapons prior to the fire."

Furlong said neighbors reported seeing a gray car with California plates frequenting the home in the days preceding the fire. They also reportedly saw McCleary loading items into the vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding the fire or McCleary's whereabouts is asked to contact the Carson City Sheriff's Office non-emergency dispatch at 775-887-2011 or the detective division during business hours at 775-887-2500.