Suspect arrested for multiple arson attempts

Police arrested a man in connection with various arson attempts Wednesday, Bloomington Police Department Sgt. Joe Crider said.

Jason McIntosh is suspected of at least two separate March arson incidents in the Kirkwood Avenue and campus area, Crider said.

On March 15, a 31-year-old employee of The Venue art gallery on South Grant Street said he observed a male customer, reportedly identified as McIntosh, enter with a black cloth bag and stay a few minutes before leaving. Roughly 10 minutes later, the employee said he noticed the bathroom door was locked.

After opening the door, the employee reportedly found a pile of smoldering paint rags in the bathroom. Officers searched for this suspect, but could not locate him.

On March 17, a similar arson attempt by a male suspect with a black cloth bag was reported at the Indiana Memorial Union. A second witness happened to be at both the Venue and IMU scenes, Crider said.

On March 18, the same Venue employee observed the suspect return to the store. After the employee saw the suspect enter the bathroom, he called the police again. Though a photo array was established, the employee said he was not comfortable making a selection at the time, Crider said.

McIntosh denied any arson involvement during a BPD questioning, Crider said.

On March 19, a second photo array including both the Venue employee and the second witness from the Venue and IMU arson attempts identified McIntosh. A warrant for McIntosh’s arrest was obtained and served on Wednesday, Crider said.

— Jeff LaFave