Officials rule a 2005 fire as arson

VINCENNES, Ind. (WTHI) - Officials in Vincennes say an August 2005 fire that had been ruled undetermined has now been ruled as arson.

Vincennes City Police detectives have arrested two men for arson, burglary and theft in connection with the fire that caused $1.3 million dollars worth of damage to Bestway/Jamac Inc.

The fire had been investigated by the Vincennes Fire Department, Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Because of the extensive damage, no cause could be detected and the fire was ruled undetermined.

In 2006 and 2007, investigators looked into a series of suspicious fires in and around the Vincennes area.

Officials studied various fires and information, developing a person of interest, and determined the Bestway/Jamac fire was arson.

Further investigation revealed that two Vincennes men and a third, who was a juvenile at the time, were responsible for the crimes.

Police say the men allegedly committed the arson to cover evidence of burglary and theft they committed at the business.

Early Friday afternoon, detectives with the Vincennes City Police arrested 30-year-old Christoper M. Armes and 23-year-old Albert J. Lane.

Both were charged with arson, burglary and theft.

They will both be held at the Knox County Jail on $25,000 bond, pending appearance in Knox Superior Court I.