August 27, 2022 12:50 p.m.  

An arson investigation is underway, following a fire behind a store on Friday.

Captain Kurt Sorensen of the Sutherlin Police said shortly after 4:00 p.m., 911 dispatchers received several phone calls about a fire behind Bi-Mart on East Central Avenue. Sorenson said Sutherlin Fire Department responded and quickly put the fire out. Bi-Mart and Shop Smart, located next door, were evacuated and closed for a short period of time. Sorenson said no one was injured, however there was damage to the building as a result of the fire.

SPD and the State Fire Marshal are investigating. Sorenson said anyone with information or who observed a suspicious person in the area around the time of the incident, is asked to call SPD at 459-2211. The department can also be contacted by email at: policerecords@ci.sutherlin.or.us.