A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in an arson case at a northeast Iowa mall. Dubuque Police Lieutenant Scott Baxter says firefighters were called to the Kennedy Mall in Dubuque on Saturday around 1 p.m. A fire on the second floor of a Sears store forced the evacuation of the mall.
Baxter says someone had started a fire in the men’s restroom. “There’s extensive smoke damage we’re estimating is going to cost $100,000,” Baxter said.
The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured. “Obviously, when you’re dealing with businesses and structures where there’s a heavy concentration of people it’s a huge concern and this could’ve been much worse,” Baxter said.
Investigators are reviewing video from the mall with hopes of catching the arsonist. Baxter noted there are surveillance cameras throughout the Sears store, the mall and the parking lots.
Police are also asking for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-747-0117 or 563-588-0714. A reward of up to $16,000 is available.