This media release is jointly released by the Marshalltown Fire and Marshalltown Police Department.
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 1:10pm, the Marshalltown Fire Department and the Marshalltown Police Department responded to 3 South 4th Avenue after a structure fire was reported at this location. 3 South 4th Avenue is the old Marshalltown hospital site.
Upon arrival, firefighters found white smoke showing from the center of the building complex. Fire department personnel quickly established operations in the former hospital emergency department parking lot by laddering the building. Firefighters stretched horizontal standpipe across the flat roof of the building so firefighters could enter a stairwell and access the seat of the fire and extinguish it. The remainder of the fire floor, as well as the floors above and below, were searched for victims and fire extension. No victims were found and the fire did not extend past the room of origin. Firefighters were at the scene for approximately three hours.
A preliminary investigation of this fire led to a determination the fire was intentionally set. Law enforcement also identified a suspect. A sixteen-year-old male was taken into custody for the following criminal allegations:
- Arson – 2nd Degree (C Felony)
- Criminal Mischief – 1st Degree (C Felony)
- Theft - 5th Degree (Simple Misdemeanor)
- Interference with Official Acts (Simple Misdemeanor)
The juvenile was transported to a juvenile detention facility.
This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641.754.5725 or 911. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling Marshall County Crime Stoppers at 641.753.1234 or via text by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tips may also be submitted online at www.marshallcountycs.com.
The Marshalltown Fire Department and Police Department were assisted at this scene by the Marshall County 911 Communications Center, the Marshalltown Street Department, Unity Point Ambulance Service, and Alliant Energy. Unity Point Health Facilities Management assisted at the command post with technical expertise regarding the building. The building is currently owned by CD Marshalltown LLC, a division of Covalt Development.
(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)
For more information, please contact:
Marshalltown Fire Chief Christopher W. Cross (ccross@marshalltown-ia.gov or 641.754.5751)
Marshalltown Police Captain Christopher T. Jones (cjones@marshalltown-ia.gov or 641.754.5758)