Crystal Strip Mall Fire Ruled Arson, Police Seek Public’s Help
A late November fire at a strip mall in Crystal has been ruled arson. Crystal Police believe people know crucial information that could help solve the case.
“We have some leads and we have a direction we are going. But we believe there are people out there who know more,” said Deputy Chief Brian Hubbard, with Crystal Police. “We’d love to have that information.”
The fire broke out in the early morning hours of November 26 at the strip mall at 5600 56th Avenue North, or Bass Lake Road. Crystal Police officers saw smoke and called in the fire. Investigators believe the fire started in a mechanical room near the back of the building. Even though fire crews quickly knocked down the fire, the building could be a total loss. The strip mall housed small business owners that can no longer operate their business at that location. As of January, the building was shuttered.
“That particular building is all small businesses, so we’d really like to get this solved because small businesses are the heart of this community,” said Hubbard.
The person or persons responsible for the arson will face felony charges. If you have any information, you are asked to call Crystal Police on their tip line at 763-531-1020.
