Willmar woman arrested for allegedly trying to start government and medical facilities on fire

A Willmar woman is under arrest, accused of trying to burn down government offices and medical clinics in Willmar.

Police say at 8:22 Sunday morning, an officer on patrol found what appeared to be an attempt to set the front doorway of the Willmar Fire Station on fire. Further checks showed similar attempts to start fires at the CentraCare Lakeland Clinic, CentraCare Main Clinic, Kandiyohi County Courthouse, Willmar City Hall and a Dental Clinic. Each location appeared to have had attempts to set fires, including use of flammable liquids and other items, but officers found no active fires or fire damage.

Items left at the crime scenes led officers to a nearby convenience store, and they obtained video of a suspect and a vehicle. They arrested a 58-year-old Willmar woman with a recent history of mental health issues and disputes with local government agencies and healthcare services. She was brought to CentraCare Hospital for a mental health evaluation, then transported to the Kandiyohi County Jail where she faces 6 potential charges of Attempted Second Degree Arson.

The Willmar Police Department was assisted by the Willmar Fire Department / Willmar Fire Marshal.

The cases remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Willmar Police Department at 320-235-2244, the MN Arson Hotline at 1-800-723-2020 or Minnesota CrimeStoppers at crimestoppersmn.org

(JP Cola, KWLM)