The Zionsville Police Department has taken a suspect into custody following an investigation into a July 10 fire at an unoccupied commercial building at 195 S. Main Street.
At approximately 1:41 a.m. on July 10, the Zionsville Fire Department was dispatched to the building after receiving a report of a fire. Firefighters brought the blaze under control within approximately 15 minutes. No injuries were reported.
Following the fire, detectives with the Zionsville Police Department and investigators with the Zionsville Fire Department conducted an investigation that included reviewing evidence collected at the scene and utilizing additional investigative methods.
Based on evidence developed during the investigation, authorities determined the fire was being investigated as an arson.
On August 10, a Boone County juvenile court magistrate issued a pickup order based on a probable cause affidavit prepared by Zionsville Police detectives. Officers took the suspect into custody at approximately 3:50 p.m. The suspect was then transported for processing.
The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a juvenile delinquency petition alleging that the suspect committed an act that would constitute felony arson if committed by an adult.
According to police, the suspect was 17 years old at the time of the alleged offense and has since turned 18. Because the alleged conduct occurred while the suspect was a juvenile, the matter was initially filed in juvenile court.
Zionsville Mayor John Stehr praised investigators for their work on the case.
“I commend our detectives, particularly lead detective Nic Ruby, and our fire investigators for their thorough work throughout this investigation,” Stehr said. “I also appreciate the close coordination among the Zionsville Police Department, Zionsville Fire Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, and Boone County Prosecutor’s Office. While today represents important progress, this matter must now proceed through the appropriate legal process.”
Because the case remains pending, the Town of Zionsville and Zionsville Police Department said they will not comment further on specific evidence or circumstances beyond information contained in publicly available court records and filings.
The filing of a juvenile delinquency petition is an allegation. The suspect is presumed innocent unless and until the allegations are proven in court.