An Idaho man said armed men burned down Caldwell businesses. Police say he did it
A Caldwell business owner allegedly told police officers that he was held hostage while several armed men torched multiple businesses — including his own, the Caldwell Police Department said.
But the 44-year-old allegedly lied to police and intentionally set the fire.
The man was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges, including second-degree arson, burglary, malicious injury to property, destruction of evidence and providing false evidence, according to a news release from the department.
On Tuesday, Caldwell Fire and local police departments were dispatched to 4621 Cleveland Boulevard for a structure fire, the release said. The location houses housed multiple businesses, including the suspect’s shop and another business, R&R Muffler.
R&R Muffler wasn’t open and no one was injured, the release said.
“The fire suppression efforts lasted several hours,” according to the release.
A few hours later, the suspect contacted police and told them he had been “held hostage by several armed men at his business while they set his business on fire,” the release said.
After the department conducted its investigation — which included interviewing the man — police allege he set the fire on purpose.
The man was booked into the Canyon County Jail, according to the release, though it is unclear if he has set bail. The Idaho Statesman has reached out to the department for additional information.
This story was originally published June 2, 2022 at 1:05 PM.
CORRECTION: The business owned by the alleged arsonist was initially incorrect. The Caldwell man owns a shop that neighbors R&R Muffler.
