***UPDATE*** Linn County Undersheriff Paul Timm Reports Deputies are Assisting with a Structure Fire on Scravel Hill Road

Linn County Undersheriff Paul Timm reports that after further investigation into the structure fire on Scravel Hill Road, his detectives arrested Jessica Erin Loper, 34, on charges related to the fire.

Detectives found that Loper and her 8-month-old child were living in the residence with several other occupants. Occupants of the residence initially reported the fire started in Loper’s locked bedroom and they believed they heard the baby crying inside. Occupants attempted to force the door open which led to one receiving 1st and 2nd degree burns from the fire. Responding deputies, also believing Loper and her baby were still inside the residence, attempted to enter the residence for life saving efforts but were driven out due to heavy smoke and flames. Approximately three hours after the fire was reported, Loper and her baby were located hiding in the area.

Further investigation also revealed that although several dogs survived the fire, one dog died in the fire. Loper was ultimately arrested and lodged at the Linn County Jail on the charge of Arson 1.