Scott County, IA Fire Investigation Leads to 13-Year-Old's Arrest

LeClaire, IA – A 13-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with arson and burglary after investigators determined a June structure fire in LeClaire was intentionally set, authorities announced Friday.

According to the LeClaire Fire Department, the fire occurred June 24 in the 400 block of Wisconsin Street, near the Quad Cities in Scott County. Following the blaze, the department requested assistance from the Scott County Sheriff's Office and Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office to conduct a joint investigation into its origin and cause.

Investigators ultimately determined the fire was incendiary in nature, meaning authorities believe it was intentionally set.

Further investigation by the LeClaire Fire Department, Scott County Sheriff's Office and LeClaire Police Department led authorities to identify and arrest a 13-year-old boy in connection with the incident, according to Friday's update.

Authorities said the juvenile has been charged with second-degree arson and first-degree burglary.

Because the suspect is a minor, officials said no additional identifying information will be released. The allegations against the juvenile have not been proven in court.

The fire department did not disclose additional details about how investigators allegedly connected the juvenile to the fire. The release also did not specify the extent of damage to the structure or whether anyone was injured in the June incident.

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office.

Officials said additional information could be released by Fire Chief Shane Bleeker as it becomes available. Anyone with information concerning the incident is asked to contact Bleeker at 563-289-6044.