Details have now been released on the fire that heavily damaged the downtown Harrison Dollar General and an arrest in connection with the blaze has been made. Facing two charges in the case, including arson, is 25-year-old Stephanie Marie Cash of Harrison, an employee of the store.
The fire Sept. 29 caused over $400,000 in damage to the store located at 201 W. Rush Avenue.
According to the probable cause affidavit from the Harrison Fire Department, the fire initially was determined to be suspicious in nature but there was no immediate reason for the cause of the fire. It was determined the blaze started in the dog and cat food isle where there are also clearance items.
The fire investigator was able to obtain video surveillance from the store which became valuable evidence in the case. It shows Cash was the only person on the aisle for over one hour prior to the fire being discovered. She was seen entering the aisle, remaining there for approximately three minutes and leaving about three minutes before the fire was noticed by her coworker.
Two store managers told the fire investigator during interviews Cash had no valid reason for being on that aisle and she was violating store policy by leaving her designated job station unattended.
Cash is seen on the video looking over the shoulder where the fire occurred as she left the aisle. She then sprints across the store to retrieve her personal belongings before returning to the registers, with her belongings in her hands, waiting for her coworker to finish his closing procedures. While she is waiting, she looks down the aisle multiple times. She then clocks out and walks past the aisle where the fire is intensifying and makes sure her coworker is not paying attention. The investigator notes in the affidavit he believes Cash observed the smoke and fire and intentionally neglected to inform her supervisor of the danger.
After being brought in for questioning, Cash denied any knowledge of the fire and showed no emotion. She refused to watch any of the video footage and would not agree to a polygraph.
The investigator noted the area of origin had no other evidence of items being able to sustain a competent ignition source without human involvement.
Cash is facing felony charges of arson and aggravated assault. She is free after posting a $25,000 bond.
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