David Frank-Courtesy-CPD
COLUMBUS, Ind. – A local man is in jail following a Friday fire at a commercial building under renovation.
The Columbus Police Department (CPD) and the Columbus Fire Department (CFD) were called to the 1800 block of 22nd Street on July 11 at around 2 p.m. for a possible structure fire. The caller told authorities that a man started a fire and then left on a bicycle. While on the phone, the caller gave them a description of the person. CPD and CFD quickly responded.
Witnesses were able to put out the small blaze with fire extinguishers. Firefighters found construction material, including oil and tar paper, and determined it had been ignited against the building, causing damage to the siding. Investigators also found flammable materials that appeared to be staged in another area outside the building, and it was ready to be lit.
Officers located a man nearby who matched the description the witness provided. He was identified as David Frank, 66, of Columbus. Police noted oil and ash on his clothing. When investigating further, CPD believes the suspect was also allegedly responsible for a vehicle fire earlier in the week.
Frank was arrested and preliminarily charged with two counts of arson (level 6 felonies). He remains in the Bartholomew County Jail.
All charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
