INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) Fire Investigations Section investigated a fire at the Motel 8 laundry room that was found to have been intentionally set and ruled an incendiary fire.
Just before 5 a.m. on 11/04/2016, investigators with the IMPD/IFD Fire Investigations Section responded to the Motel 8 in the 3700 block of N Shadeland Ave on reports of a fire. Responding personnel located a fire in the laundry room. IFD evacuated all occupants of the hotel due to the fire. Investigators were able to determine that the fire had been intentionally set and began an Arson investigation.
During the course of the investigation and with the help of the community, investigators were able to identify and locate a suspect. The suspect was identified as 24-year-old Rikeeze Ross of Indianapolis. Ross was arrested for his alleged involvement with the fire at the Motel 8 and preliminarily charged with Arson – Level 4 Felony, for the endangerment of the guests, and Arson – Level 4 Felony, for the damage caused to the property. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case and make a final charging decision.
The IMPD/IFD Fire Investigations Section has investigated numerous intentionally set fires across the city. The collaborative effort between IMPD and IFD has been a hallmark to the success they have had in investigating and locating the suspects responsible and bringing them to justice. Numerous arrests for Arson have been made in 2016. The IMPD and IFD continue work together in an effort to help make the City of Indianapolis a safer place to work and live. If anyone has any information regarding criminal activity, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317)262-TIPS(8477). Information given via Crime Stoppers should be considered anonymous.
