St. Catherine's says Arsonist Responsible for Multiple Fires on Campus; Former Student In Custody

January 18, 2018 05:44 AM

A spokesperson for St. Catherine University says an arsonist is responsible after eight fires fires broke out in seven different buildings on the school's St. Paul campus at around 11 a.m. Wednesday.

St. Catherine's public safety department and a deputy St. Paul fire chief both said no injuries were reported.

The suspect has been identified and removed from campus.

"The police have taken an individual into custody, this is an individual we believe to be a prior student not currently registered," said Angela Riley, a spokesperson for the university.

No motive has been identified.

Most of the fires were started in women's restrooms and were contained easily. One fire, set in the lounge of St. Mary's Residence Hall, spread to a piece of furniture and activated the sprinklers.

Authorities on the scene told campus officials they believe the school is secure.

According to fire investigators, most of the damage is to contents, not to the structure of the building.

The school said fires were contained in Coeur de Catherine, Derham Hall, the Chapel, Fontbonne, Mendall Hall, the Butler Center and St. Mary's buildings.

Fires have been found and contained in Coeur de Catherine, Derham Hall, the Chapel, Fontbonne, Mendall Hall, the Butler Center, and St. Mary's.

If you see something or have information about the fires, please contact Public Safety immediately at 651.690.8888. (2/2)
— St. Kate's (@StKate) January 17, 2018