DOUGLAS COUNTY—Several fires led to significant monetary damage to a Kansas print shop and ultimately, investigators tracked down a suspected serial arsonist.
Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, Lawrence Police and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical were called to the fire at 725 N 2nd Street, according to police spokesperson Laure McCabe. This report came amidst multiple reports of dumpster fires along North Second and Third Streets.
Fire Investigators and Police were able to determine four fires were all connected. Within two hours, the teams identified, located, and arrested the suspect. The 19-year-old woman was taken into custody in the 100 block of Maple Street just before 11pm and transported her to jail.
LDCFM Division Chief Kevin Joles says crews performed an offensive attack to contain the flames with the help of sprinkler systems. “Sprinkler systems continually prove their value through incidents like this and one and we believe the system significantly reduced potential damage to nearby businesses last night,” says Joles.
LKPD Sgt. Drew Fennelly oversaw the Police Department’s efforts saying, “This investigation is a great example of multi-agency cooperation. We worked together to provide a swift resolution to a potentially life-threatening series of crimes that caused significant damage, but thankfully no injury.”
Damage was also found, and fire extinguished at 1010 N 3rd Street; 100 Riverfront Road; 725 N 2nd Street and 401 N 2nd Street, according to McCabe. Police have not released the suspect's name or the requested charges.