Suspect arrested in early morning fire at Lincoln IGA

 

[June 11, 2021] 

On Friday, June 11, 2021, at approximately 3:55 a.m., Lincoln Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to 713 Pulaski St, Lincoln IGA, as the caller indicated flames were coming from the building. Lincoln Police arrived on scene and found the building fully engulfed. Officers also noticed signs of a burglary and while securing the perimeter saw a male subject fleeing from the area.

Lincoln Police and Logan County Sheriff’s Office quickly set up a perimeter around the suspect and were able to complete a search. Officers located a male subject that had property from the Lincoln IGA store. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Logan County Jail.

Subject Arrested:
Name: Michel A. Rowland
Address: 512 7th St, Lincoln, IL
Gender: M Age: 38
Arrested for:
Aggravated Arson (Class X Felony)
Burglary (Class 2 Felony)

This investigation is still open and in progress by the Lincoln Police Department, State Fire Marshall Office, and the Lincoln Fire Department. The arrest charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Participating agencies: Lincoln Police Department, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Fire Department, Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District, Illinois State Police, Illinois State Fire Marshall, and Logan County State’s Attorney Office.

Although the fire department quickly extinguished the primary source of the fire, the building suffered major damage and a total loss of merchandise. Preliminary damage estimate is well over $2,000,000. It comes with great sadness the loss of such a pillar of our community and I hope for a quick return of our Lincoln IGA, which will take the continued support of our community.

[Paul Adams
Chief of Police]

Post Script from Chief Adams:  I would also like to compliment the coordination and great work of Lincoln Fire Department and Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District , and others of containing the fire so quickly.  .