Moorhead man arrested after suspected arson, standoff

(MOORHEAD) -- On Saturday, September 9, 2023, at approximately 1:20 p.m., the Moorhead Fire Department and the Moorhead Police Department responded to an active fire in the 800 block of 7 Avenue South. Upon arrival, officers noted a male run back into the home where the fire was happening. A short time later, the male emerged onto the home's roof. While the fire department was actively fighting the fire, the male refused to come down and threatened to jump if anyone approached. 

The fire department extinguished the fire and began the investigation regarding the cause. The police department continued communicating with the male on the roof and investigating the situation. During the investigation, it was determined the male had been involved in a disturbance with a female who lived in the home.  

With the assistance of the Red River Valley SWAT Negotiators, officers were able to take the male into custody at approximately 9:00 p.m. Sean Ahrenholtz, 41, is currently being held at the Clay County Corrections Facility on a long-form complaint requesting charges for Felony 1st Degree Arson, False Imprisonment, 3rd Degree Assault, and 5th Degree Domestic Assault.  

No one was injured during this incident. The investigation is still active. The Moorhead Police Department was assisted by the Moorhead Fire Department, the MN State Fire Marshal's Office, the Clay County Sheriff's Office, and the Red River Valley SWAT Negotiations Unit.