Hustisford man accused of setting fire to Dodge County bar with customers inside
Dodge County Sheriff\'s Office HORICON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A bar in Dodge County is damaged after a "disgruntled patron" allegedly set it on fire Sunday night, Oct. 19.
The sheriff's office says the bar -- Danny Boy's Irish Pub -- was open at the time, with patrons inside, and an upstairs tenant was reportedly trapped on the roof. First responders were able to extinguish the fire and safely evacuate everyone from the building.
The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Kevin Lentz of Hustisford.
Lentz is currently in custody and charged with arson, multiple counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and criminal damage to property.
According to a criminal complaint, Lentz and another patron were kicked out of the bar for yelling derogatory things at and about another customer. On the way out of the bar, Lentz was captured on surveillance video lighting a cigarette and then ripping a camera off the wall.
Shortly after Lentz left, smoke and fire was observed coming from the room Lentz was last seen in.
Danny Boy's Irish Pub released the following statement:
The owner and staff of Danny Boys are heartbroken after a fire, determined to be an act of arson, caused significant damage to the bar Sunday night. While parts of the building suffered heavy losses, the team is deeply grateful that no lives were lost and that everyone made it out safely.
“We’re devastated, but we’re also incredibly thankful,” said Jerry and Amanda Fleisner, owner of Danny Boys. “Thankful to the firefighters and law enforcement who responded so quickly, and thankful to this amazing community that has already surrounded us with love, support, and offers to help. Horicon is home — and we know we’ll get through this together.”
For years, Danny Boys has been a gathering place where friends meet, stories are shared, and memories are made. The damage from this fire has shaken not just the business, but the people who have made it part of their lives.
“Our hearts are broken, but our spirit isn’t,” added Danny Boys. “This community has always been the heartbeat of what we do. We’re already thinking about how to rebuild, how to reopen, and how to keep this space alive for everyone who calls it home.”
The team extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Horicon and surrounding Fire Departments, Dodge
County Sheriff’s Office, and all first responders who acted with such courage and care. Danny Boys is fully cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.
Further updates on recovery and rebuilding efforts will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, the Danny Boys family thanks everyone for their continued love and support.
