SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement and fire officials are investigating an arson fire and have made an arrest.
On Monday, crews from the Topeka Fire Department responded to a reported detached garage fire at 1431 SW Eden Court, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.
First responders found smoke coming from a single-car garage and were able to quickly extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Through examination of the scene and on-scene interviews, it was believed the fire was intentionally set. Soon after fire units cleared the scene, police officers located a suspect, identified as Stephen M. Yager, 46, of Topeka, nearby and took him into custody.
Investigators determined the cause of the fire was intentionally set. Police arrested Yager was arrested and later booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charge of Arson; Intentional To Dwelling Of Another Without Consent. The total estimated loss from the fire was approximately $10,000.
Working smoke detectors were not located in the garage.