Bend’s police and fire departments responded to a suspected arson on Saturday morning at an empty building formerly used as a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
According to a press release, law enforcement received reports of smoke around 8:30 a.m. Saturday at 1290 S.W. Silver Lake Blvd., the former site of Lake Place.
A preliminary investigation determined the fire had been intentionally started, and firefighters spent about six hours extinguishing the flames and collecting evidence. The street was closed between Southwest Garfield Avenue and Blakely Road for about six hours.
According to Sgt. Todd Fletcher, the building is currently unoccupied. An estimate on damage was not yet available, although Fletcher said most of the damage was due to smoke.
An investigation into the arson continues, and anyone with information is asked to contact Bend Police at 541-693-6911.
— From staff reports
