The exterior of Wendy's shows extensive fire damage after the arson incident.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesMichael Sheehan, a 41-year-old from Bowling Green, received a 20-year prison sentence for second-degree arson following a burglary at a Wendy’s restaurant. The crime resulted in over $1 million in damages, and the restaurant was closed for months. Sheehan pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including third-degree burglary and tampering with evidence. His actions included stealing cash and then setting fire to the restaurant to destroy surveillance footage. The court underscored the severity of such criminal acts and their impact on the community.
Bowling Green – Michael Sheehan, a 41-year-old man from Bowling Green, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on April 29, 2025, for his involvement in an arson and burglary incident at a local Wendy’s restaurant. The sentencing took place in Warren Circuit Court, where Sheehan faced multiple charges related to the crime that occurred on February 21, 2024.
Sheehan pleaded guilty to serious charges, including second-degree arson, third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, and intimidating a participant in the legal process. As part of a plea agreement, he faced a 20-year sentence for the arson charge, which is the maximum penalty allowed under the law, and concurrent five-year sentences on the additional counts. A previous charge against Sheehan for theft by unlawful taking or disposition between $1,000 and $10,000 was dismissed during the February 2025 court proceedings.
The incident began when Sheehan illegally entered the Wendy’s on U.S. 31-W Bypass, stealing approximately $2,000 from a safe. Following the theft, he returned to the restaurant to remove a DVR box that contained surveillance footage of the crime. In a calculated move to cover his tracks, Sheehan set fire to the establishment, resulting in damages exceeding $1,000,000 and causing the closure of the restaurant for several months.
Shortly after the fire, an investigation was launched, leading police to uncover evidence of tampering with physical evidence. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses showed Sheehan as a suspect during the burglary at Wendy’s. Furthermore, investigators learned that Sheehan’s girlfriend disclosed he admitted to setting the fire, indicating intentions to destroy the footage that could have linked him to the crime.
Sheehan was apprehended by the Bowling Green Police Department on March 13, 2024, following the thorough investigation that tied him to the actions leading up to the fire. The Wendy’s restaurant eventually reopened in November 2024 after undergoing necessary repairs from the substantial fire damage.
Alongside his prison sentence, Sheehan may also be ordered to pay restitution for the losses incurred by Wendy’s; however, the specific amount to be reimbursed remains undetermined at this time.
The Wendy’s fire incident serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that can stem from criminal activities such as burglary and arson. The legal outcomes emphasize the importance placed by the justice system on deterring such actions, particularly when they result in significant property damage and public safety concerns.
This case highlights the proactive measures taken by law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes effectively, ensuring accountability for actions that can have lasting impacts on businesses and communities.
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