Bloomington — A 37-year-old Bloomington man is behind bars after an early Wednesday house fire on the 2000 block of South Rogers Street left his 57-year-old mother in critical condition, according to Bloomington police. Firefighters found the woman badly hurt inside the home, and she was taken to IU Health Bloomington, then transferred to an Indianapolis hospital for more advanced care. Neighbors identified the suspect as the victim’s son and said the south-side block has been shaken by the blaze.
Investigators later traced the woman’s tan Hyundai to a motel in Mitchell. Officers executed a search warrant and went into a room, taking the suspect into custody around 12:30 p.m. on April 22, according to WTHR. He was taken to the Bloomington Police Department for an interview, then booked into the county jail.
Charges and custody
Bloomington police say the suspect was booked at the Monroe County Correctional Center on preliminary felony counts that include attempted murder, aggravated battery, arson and vehicle theft. The Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office will review the evidence and decide whether to file formal charges, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
How investigators tracked the vehicle
Police said Flock license plate readers picked up images of the tan Hyundai as it moved through Greene, Orange and Lawrence counties, and investigators followed that electronic trail to Mitchell. Authorities told reporters that a plate reader near the fire scene had been sabotaged, with cables cut and the camera spray painted, which complicated the investigation in its early hours, according to WTHR.
Victim's condition and transfer
Bloomington police described the woman as “severely injured and unable to walk or move on her own” and said she remains in life-threatening condition at an Indianapolis hospital after being transferred from IU Health Bloomington. IU Health lists its Bloomington campus and emergency services on its website.
The Monroe County Prosecutor's Office will make the final charging decision. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the Bloomington Police Department or the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. The investigation remains active, and officials said they will release more details as the prosecutor evaluates potential charges.
