A suspect is in custody who police say set fire to an eastern Iowa apartment building last night. When Clinton firefighters arrived, the four-unit apartment complex in a residential area of town they found a small fire at the entry door with heavy smoke and flames visible at the rear of the residence.
Extra personnel were called in to assist. The fire was under control within 15 minutes but the estimated damage to the building is $75,000. The fire department reported that no-one was home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries. Clinton police reported that witnesses at the scene described a person of interest who was located in the area.
This person, 57-year-old David M. Champion of Clinton, was placed under arrest for first-degree arson.
(Reporting by Dave Vickers, KROS, Clinton)