Steven Prestridge appeared remotely Thursday in the Delta County 94th District Court after being evaluated by the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline, Mich. He was ordered to undergo inpatient treatment to make him competent to stand trial on arson charges in the Rapid River Pub fire in September. (Sophie Vogelmann | Daily Press)

ESCANABA – A Rapid River man accused of setting fire to the Rapid River Pub early Labor Day has been ordered to receive inpatient treatment to restore competency to stand trial.

Steven Truman Prestridge, 33, appeared remotely Thursday in the Delta County 94th District Court. The hearing was to consider findings from the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline, Mich.

A certified forensic examiner and licensed clinical social worker from the center concluded after evaluating Prestridge that he is currently not competent to stand trial.

“The examiner does feel, however, that there is a substantial likelihood he could attain competence within the time-allotted statute if he is in a structured inpatient hospital setting with a provision for appropriate therapeutic intervention,” Judge Steve Parks said at Thursday’s hearing.

The report also notes that Prestridge’s mental condition appears to reflect a psychiatric condition that typically responds well to medication and in-hospital treatment.

Delta County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Beth Wickwire, who was present in the courtroom Thursday, stated they had reviewed the report and were leaving the decision up to the court.

“I would just simply ask that the court adopt the findings and find that he is incompetent to stand trial at this time based off of the documentation containing the report,” said James Maki, the defense attorney filling in for Dana Harper, who was unable to attend. Maki appeared virtually.

“As I mentioned, I’ve reviewed the report, and as I’ve stated many times over the years, I place a great deal of weight on the opinion of the person who does the examination. … It’s vital in addressing the issue of competency that a determination be made that the defendant is able to assist in his defense and confer with counsel,” Parks said.

Prestridge faces two felony charges; one count of second degree arson and one count of arson-preparation to burn real property.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred at the Rapid River Pub about 12:30 a.m. Sept. 1, when after being told to leave Prestridge allegedly set fire to the back of the building while patrons and staff were still inside early on Labor Day. All were safely evacuated.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.