A Butler County police officer's sense of smell was the key to arresting a man suspected of setting fire to a barn.

Patrolman William Wilson spotted a man walking early this morning near where the barn was burning in Cranberry. Officer Wilson stopped the 26-year-old man to ask him if he knew anything about the fire when the officer noticed the strong smell of smoke. Officer Wilson also noted that the man had dry dirt and cobwebs on his jacket.

According to police, Michael Thomson told authorities he started the fire after igniting cardboard and paper in the barn. Mr. Thomson was charged with arson and is being held at the Butler County Prison.

No one was injured in the fire. The barn had been abandoned for several years.

First Published: January 12, 2009, 4:45 p.m.