UPDATE: Arrest made in Tuesday arson investigation

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

By Nick Wilson, Times Co-Editor

An arrest was made Tuesday in connection to an alleged arson attempt in the north of the county, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

Casey L. Clark

Casey L. Clark, 42, of Brazil, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon and transported to the Clay County Justice Center, where she is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond. She is charged with a preliminary Level 4 felony charge of arson.

Officials have a 72-hour window to process case files. However, Sheriff Brison Swearingen said it has already been forwarded to the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office for further review.

According to a press release announced by the CCSO, officers received a 911 call around 3:30 p.m. of a possible structure fire at 3907 E. County Road 1500 N. in Van Buren Township.

“When deputies arrived at the residence, there was visible smoke near the front door of the residence, and some damage to the residence,” the release reads. “The occupants of the residence were able to get out with no injuries.”

Residents of the home confirmed the flames were extinguished quickly, preventing further damage to the home.

(All individuals named in this matter are presumed innocent until proven guilty.)

UPDATE: Jan. 17, 5 p.m. — It is unclear at this time, but a person was allegedly arrested by the Clay County Sheriff's Department at the scene of this incident.

The suspect is allegedly from the Brazil area.

The Times will continue to follow this story as more information is available.

PREVIOUS STORY: Jan. 17, 4:30 p.m. — Multiple volunteer fire departments responded to 3907 E. County Road 1500 N. Tuesday afternoon in response to reports of a fully-engulfed structure.

However, all units were disregarded before arriving on the scene, except Van Buren Volunteer Fire.

Though details are unclear at this time, the fire was allegedly extinguished quickly before any damage could be caused to the home.

No injuries were reported.

Dick Johnson, Van Burn, and Reelsvile township fire departments responded to the initial reports and officers from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.