This is a follow up from a previously posted JunctionNow news article available here: Overnight Fire at Business Plaza on 4th St & North Ave. As reported intitially by JunctionNow, the business glass was broken prior to first responder arrival and deemed suspicious. Scanner audio available at the link above.
From the Grand Junction Police Department:
On 07/04/24, at approximately 6:20 a.m., first responders with the Grand Junction Police and Fire Departments responded to the 300 block of North Avenue for a report of business on fire. The Grand Junction Fire Department was able to contain the fire to one business, with three adjacent businesses experiencing minor damage. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and there were no additional injuries as a result of the fire. The Grand Junction Police and Fire Departments determined the cause of the fire to be arson. A thorough investigation led to the arrest of two individuals suspected of causing the fire. On 07/06/24, at approximately 7:35 p.m., officers with the Grand Junction Police Department conducted a traffic stop and contacted the two suspects, identified as Ian Kester (age 25) and Shane Frost (age 32). Kester and Frost were arrested and remanded to the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:
- First Degree Arson
- Second Degree Burglary
The Grand Junction Police Department believes this to be an isolated incident and there is no danger to the community. This incident remains under investigation and there is no further information available at this time.