SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged arson fire in Topeka and have made an arrest
Just after 3:30a.m. Monday crews from the Topeka Fire Department responded to a report fire at Capitol City Smoke & Grocery 500 S.W. 6th Avenue, according to fire department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.
Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke and flames coming from a single-story business and were able to quickly extinguish the fire, keeping it contained to the business where it started.
No occupants were located and no injuries were reported. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, police arrested 38-year-old Derrick J. Martinez and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on one count of arson and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
The total estimated loss associated with the fire was approximately $7,500. Working smoke detectors were not located in the structure where the fire originated.