Kokomo has been gripped by a series of deliberate fires, with a suspect now behind bars. 29-year-old Joseph Smith was arrested in connection with multiple fires that troubled the community beginning early Saturday morning. The Kokomo Police Department and the Howard County Sheriff's Office, who were canvassing the area, believe Smith was involved in the suspected arson of five different locations, including five cars, a garage, and a house, as stated by Fox59. Smith's arrest brought some relief to local residents who had been living in fear of further incidents.
According to CBS4, the string of fires is considered suspicious, with the Kokomo Fire Department confirming that all the involved vehicles were total losses. Echoing this concern, Kokomo's Assistant Police Chief Brian Seldon conveyed the urgency of the situation in a 21Alive News report, urging the culprit to stop before causing more harm. "Please stop before you get somebody seriously hurt or killed," Seldon implored, "We don’t want to wake up tomorrow morning and find another structure fire or vehicular fire."
Gathering evidence was key in the swift response to the fires. Local residents, contributing security camera footage, played a crucial role in the investigation. One particular video captured by a Ring camera showed a person lurking around a vehicle moments before the emergence of flames, as detailed by Fox59. Additionally, another security video acquired by Kokomo police displays the potential suspect near cars shortly before they were set ablaze.
While Smith faces charges for arson and burglary, the Kokomo Fire Department stressed the active nature of their investigation. Glenda Myers, division chief of fire investigations for the KFD, emphasized community safety, advising residents to "keep your doors locked, keep your vehicles locked," as reported by Fox59. Meanwhile, another fire that occurred on Monday at an abandoned building is currently not believed to be related to the Saturday arsons.
Law enforcement and the fire department are asking anyone with information or security footage to come forward. Thanks to the efforts of the Kokomo community and local authorities, serious injuries have been avoided, and a suspect has been quickly apprehended following these troubling events.
