Lowry arsonists left DNA evidence

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Three Douglas County residents were arrested on Thursday in connection with an arson incident that occurred in Lowry.

Jeremy Adam Williams, 23, of Alexandria, Kyle David Kloehn, 19, of Garfield, and a 17-year-old juvenile from Alexandria face first and second degree arson charges, second degree burglary charges, felony theft and criminal damage to property charges.

On October 16, the Pope County Sheriff’s Office responded to a cabin fire in the area of Lake Reno and County Road 15 in Lowry. The fire was determined to have been caused by arson. Victims reported missing a fish house and gas grill.

By following tire tracks and using evidence left at the scene, deputies were led to Prairie Lakes Co-op where a soybean bag had been cut open; blood evidence was found at the scene.

Williams and Kloehn are in custody at the Douglas County Jail. The juvenile was released to parental custody and charges are expected.

The vehicle used in the crime and the fish house were located at Kloehn’s residence north of Garfield. Other items were located at a residence near Forada.

The West Central Minnesota Narcotics Task Force received information naming the parties involved in the crimes and followed up with questioning of the suspects. The Alexandria Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension assisted in the investigation.

First degree arson of a dwelling carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. First degree arson of any other building carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $35,000. Second degree arson carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. Burglary in the second degree carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. Felony theft carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. Criminal damage to property carries a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

Tags: local news, news, updates, arson, lowry, crime