How Maple Grove Investigators Cracked Lynde Greenhouse Arson Case
In October 2022, a fire destroyed much of Lynde Greenhouse in Maple Grove.
“So early a.m., we had a report of a passerby that the greenhouse was on fire,” said Maple Grove Fire Inspector Eric Lind. “It was a devastating fire, not only to the business, but to the community. The losses are in excess of $10 million.”
Lind is one of the people who helped determine what happened.
“Ultimately we found a five-gallon gas can that was out of place, according to the business owner,” Lind said. “It wasn’t where it should have been, and that led us to believe that we might’ve had an intentional act.”
Once arson was established, that’s when Maple Grove Detective Jon Bueckers got involved.
“These require much more definitive proof,” said Bueckers. “For arson, it’s very technical and very scientific compared to other crimes where you’re just trying to reach that probable cause threshold to charge and prosecute somebody.”
The investigative team worked for months to gather evidence, but ultimately, tips from the public helped them solve the case.
“We were provided with names, identities of the suspects, images of them at the greenhouse from tipsters,” said Bueckers.
“Without the public’s help and input in this investigation, it likely would’ve been an undetermined fire,” said Lind.
Firefighters work to put out a fire at Lynde Greenhouse and Nursery on Oct. 2, 2022.
Three juveniles charged
Those tips from the public led to charges against three juveniles between the ages of 14 and 15 who posted about their involvement in the Lynde Greenhouse on social media.
“There appeared to be drugs and alcohol involved. There didn’t seem to be any clear intent,” said Bueckers, when asked about a motive.
For their role in finding those responsible, the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators awarded the team with the prestigious Fire Investigation Team of the Year award.
“It’s quite an honor for the Maple Grove Fire Department to receive that award,” said Lind.
Well-deserved recognition for a crime that doesn’t always get solved.
“It’s really pleasing to be able to provide some closure to the business owner and to the community at large,” Lind added.
Meanwhile, the three juveniles involved were mandated to complete a youth fire play intervention program through the city of Maple Grove. Investigators say that if you suspect a child has been lighting fires to call the Maple Grove Fire Department at (763) 494-6300. The fire intervention program is free to participants.
If you live outside of Maple Grove, call the State Fire Marshal at 1-800-500-8897.
