A Rash of Arsons Investigated in St. Joe

ST. JOE, Mo. — People in several different neighborhoods in St. Joseph are on edge after investigators say someone has intentionally set 19 vacant, buildings on fire. The fires first began in January, 2012. The most recent one occurred early Monday  morning in the 900 block of Main Street.

Investigators tell FOX 4  in addition to torching abandoned buildings, the culprit or culprits have also set several vehicles and dumpsters on fire, all of which occurred near residents’ homes.

“Our homes are in jeopardy.  I’m hoping they hurry up and catch the individuals who are doing this,” says Paul Ellsworth, who lives across the street from Monday’s fire.

Police want neighbors to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. Also,  call St. Joseph police at (816) 271-4777 if you have information that may help officers with the arson investigations.