Two arrests have been made following a pair of fires in south-central Iowa Monday night. Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada says the fires occurred at Walmart and Farm & Home stores in Knoxville.
Two boys were arrested after police reviewed security footage from Walmart. “Viewing the videotapes, we were able to identify one of the individuals…then, we were able to find footprints and other evidence at the second scene that tied those individuals to the second case,” Losada said.
The two 13-year-old boys are facing charges of arson and criminal mischief. The boys were transported to the Eldora Juvenile Detention Center. No one was injured in the fires.
An employee was able to put out the fire at Walmart using a fire extinguisher. However, there is “considerable damage,” mostly smoke-related, inside the Walmart and the store is expected to be closed for several days for cleanup. Losada said the damage at the Farm and Home store was minor.