February 26, 1999

Arson suspected at WRT clinic

       Investigators suspect arson in a fire that damaged a White River Township counseling clinic early Wednesday morning.  The exact cause of the fire, however, has not been determined.  “Right now it’s under investigation, but it’s suspicious,” said Lt. Casey Arkins of the White River Township Fire Department.  Firefighters received a call at 4:22 a.m. Wednesday concerning a possible fire at Charter Counseling Center, 1701 Library Park Blvd. The center occupies one of several suites in the building, near State Road 135 and Smith Valley Road.  The first officer on the scene noticed flames coming out the front door of the Charter suite.  Eventually, firefighters from White River Township, Greenwood and Perry Township fought the blaze, which took 30 to 45 minutes to extinguish.  Most of the damage was in the front of the Charter suite and the attic, Arkins said.  Flames burnt a hole, roughly 4 by 6 feet, in the roof.  Officials suspect arson, Arkins said, because there were signs of forced entry in the Charter suite. Firefighters noticed broken glass on the inside of the building, and the front door of the clinic was damaged and lying on the floor.  Employees from the center told authorities that someone had made a death threat, which may or may not be related to the fire.  Arkins said he did not know if the person making the threat was an employee or a patient, but Charter employees have an idea who may have made the threat.  “They’re not going to release any names right now,” Arkins.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)

 

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