Man arrested for aggravated arson, burglary in Friday morning fire at Lincoln IGA

Posted on June 11, 2021
Michael Rowland, 38, of Lincoln. (Photo courtesy: Lincoln Police Department)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

LINCOLN – Authorities have made an arrest after the Lincoln IGA caught fire early Friday morning.

Michel Rowland, 38, of Lincoln, was arrested for aggravated arson and burglary in the incident, according to a press release by the Lincoln Police Department.

The LPD and the Fire Department were called to the IGA at 713 Pulaski St. at around 3:55 a.m. Friday after a call was made about flames coming from the building.

Once on scene, first responders found the building fully engulfed and officers noticed signs of a burglary and saw a man fleeing the area.

A perimeter was set up and officers located Rowland, who allegedly had property from the Lincoln IGA store, according to the release. Rowland was arrested and taken to the Logan County Jail.

All merchandise in the store is considered a total loss and damages are estimated at “well over” $2 million, according to the release.

The investigation is ongoing by the LPD, State Fire Marshall Office and the Lincoln Fire Department.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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