Zionsville police make arrest in Main Street arson investigation

Submitted by City of Zionsville

The Zionsville Police Department has taken a suspect into custody following its investigation into the July 10 fire at 195 S. Main St.

At approximately 1:41 a.m. July 10, the Zionsville Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire at the unoccupied commercial building. Firefighters brought the incident under control within 15 minutes, and no injuries were reported.

Following the fire, Zionsville Police Department detectives and Zionsville Fire Department investigators conducted an investigation that included reviewing evidence collected at the scene and using additional investigative methods. Based on the evidence developed during that investigation, the fire was investigated as an arson.

On Monday, Aug. 10, a Boone County juvenile court magistrate issued a pickup order based on a probable cause affidavit prepared by Zionsville Police Department detectives. Zionsville Police 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. The suspect was 17 years old at the time of the alleged offense and has since turned 18. Because the alleged conduct occurred when the suspect was a juvenile, the matter was initially filed in juvenile court.

“I commend our detectives, particularly lead detective Nic Ruby, and our fire investigators for their thorough work throughout this investigation,” Mayor John 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 will not comment further on specific evidence or circumstances beyond information contained in publicly available court records and filings. Questions regarding the delinquency petition or subsequent court proceedings should be directed to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office.

The filing of a juvenile delinquency petition is an allegation. The suspect is presumed innocent unless and until the allegations are proven in court.