Woman Arrested After Attempting to Start Several Fires

(KNSI) — A woman is being held at the Kandiyohi County jail after she allegedly tried setting several fires downtown Willmar on Saturday.

Police say just before 8:30 that morning; an officer saw what they believed to be an attempt to start a fire in the doorway of the Willmar Fire Department. Additional officers checked the area and found numerous similar attempts to start fires at the CentraCare Lakeland health clinic, the CentraCare Main Clinic, the Kandiyohi County Courthouse, the City of Willmar and a dentist’s office. They say flammable liquids and other items were used, but none of the attempts were successful.

Investigators checked a nearby convenience store and found security footage of a possible suspect and the vehicle she was believed to be driving.

They tracked down the 58-year-old, who was known to police due to a recent history of mental health issues and disputes with government agencies and healthcare providers. She was taken for a mental health evaluation before being booked into the Kandiyohi County jail. She is being held on potential charges of second degree attempted arson.

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