NE Bend grocery fire likely arson, police say
A fire early Thursday morning at a northeast Bend market is being investigated as apparent arson, police said.
Police responded around 3:20 a.m. to a report of an audible burglar alarm at Rico’s Groceries, 226 Northeast Third Street, said Lt. Brian Kindel.
Officers arrived to find smoke coming from under the door of the building, and Bend firefighters were dispatched to the commercial structure fire, Kindel said.
Fire crews were able to quickly stop the spread of the fire, which prevented serious structural damage. Kindel said most of the damage was to merchandise in the store.
Bend police detectives are investigating the incident, Kindel said, “and evidence suggests the fire was caused by arson.”
Firefighters on scene said they entered the building and found a fan blowing into the building. Police said they are looking for any suspicious activity witnessed in the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bend police Detective Todd Guthrie at 541-322-2984 or the Deschutes County non-emergency dispatch number at 541-693-6911.
