Former employee arrested for alleged arson at Hastings implement dealer
HASTINGS, Neb. -- A 30-year-old Hastings man is in custody facing charges related to an alleged arson at Landmark Implement.
Investigators with the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency arrested Mitchell Linder following an investigation into the July 13 fire at Landmark Implement on West Highway 6.
The fire was determined to be a crime of arson by the Fire Marshal. Investigators evidence and information gathered linked them to Linder, an employee of Landmark Implement.
Investigators arrested Linder on Thursday without incident. He has been lodged in the Adams County Jail on the charge of second-degree arson. Fire damages are estimated at around $6 million.
The July fire call came in the overnight hours, with several fire departments responding.
Adams County Emergency Manager Ron Pughes said when firefighters responded to the scene they found the shop and work area engulfed. He said the smoke was so thick that first responders couldn't see their hands in front of their faces while trying to attack this fire.