TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A West Terre Haute woman has been arrested after police said she started a string of seven arson fires in the area on Sunday.
A probable cause affidavit filed in Vigo County Court in relation to the arrest of 29-year-old Cheyanne A. Lowrance reveals where and when the fires occurred, as well as what evidence led police to arrest the woman.
According to a THPD detective, police were made aware of the situation on Sunday when the Terre Haute Fire Department reported a string of arson fires in the south west parts of Terre Haute.
The first fire occurred around 4:23 p.m. in the 1900 block of S. 3rd Street, where an entry way to a building was set ablaze. Investigating fire officials determined the only explanation for the fire was human action. Surveillance footage from a nearby business reportedly showed Lowrance in the area just before smoke was spotted.
A second fire was reported at 5:08 p.m. in the 600 block of Seabury Avenue, where a trash can was set on fire near an occupied apartment building. Firefighters were reportedly able to extinguish the fire before it spread to the building.
A third fire was reported at 5:47 p.m. in the 2000 block of S. 9th Street, where a garage was set on fire. At this fire a member of THFD collapsed due to heat exhaustion. The firefighter was treated on scene by medical personnel and released. The fire caused damage to a nearby garage and apartment building.
A fourth fire was reported at 5:52 p.m. in the 1600 block of S. 6th Street, where a brush fire was reportedly set near a residence. The fire was extinguished before fire crews arrived on scene.
A fifth fire was reported at Sarah Scott Middle School at 6 p.m. where a witness reported seeing Lowrance start a trash can on fire. Video surveillance also reportedly showed Lowrance walking in the area where the fire had been set at the same time the citizen reported watching her start the fire.
Police reportedly caught up to Lowrance near the intersection of S. 10th Street and Grant Street shortly after this incident was reported. Upon arrest, Lowrance was found to be in possession of a lighter.
“THFD Deputy Fire Marshall Murphy advised after his investigations at 2021 S. 9th Street and 1000 Grant Street, he went to 1909 S 7th Street and 1927 S. 7th Street where two other brush fires were also reported. Those fires had been extinguished by concerned neighbors prior to the incident at 2021 S. 9th Street.”
Probable Cause Affidavit filed in Vigo County Court
The probable cause affidavit calls for a level 3 felony charge of arson resulting in injury, and six counts of level 5 felony arson. A Vigo County Judge on Monday gave the state 72-hours to file formal charges in relation to the matter. Lowrance remains in custody of the Vigo County Jail as of 12:30 p.m. Monday.
Original: According to the Terre Haute Police Department, police were called to the scene of a fire on Sunday evening. Fire investigators reportedly believed the cause of the fire to be arson.
“This was the beginning of a string of arsons that occurred during the evening,” THPD Sgt. Dale Blunk said.
Witness interviews and evidence gathered reportedly led police to the arrest of 29-year-old Cheyanne Lowrance.
Police noted one of the fires led to a Terre Haute Fire Department firefighter being injured. He was reportedly treated at the scene of the incident.
