PORTAGE (WKZO) -- As we reported earlier this week, the fire at Briargate Apartments in Portage last week is now officially being blamed on a meth lab mishap and their primary suspect is already in custody on unrelated charges.

43-year-old John Shank was identified by witnesses as the man who fled the room where the fire originated. He was arrested the following day in a stolen car for allegedly manufacturing meth and manufacturing and delivering counterfeit ecstasy.

Portage Detectives say there are multiple persons of interest and they will be seeking warrants on them.

The timing may depend on the receipt of lab tests on what ever evidence of a meth lab they found in the burned out apartment.