Man charged with arson after fire at Catholic school in Missouri
Caroline MolloyA man has been charged with burglary and arson after authorities say he broke into a Catholic elementary school in Springfield, Missouri, damaged religious items, and set a fire inside the building.
According to KYTV Springfield, a local NBC affiliate, court documents show Isaac Cass, of Missouri, faces second-degree arson and second-degree burglary charges stemming from a May 22 fire at Immaculate Conception School. He was jailed in Greene County, Missouri.
Police responded around 5 a.m. after a nearby officer heard a fire alarm and requested backup. Investigators said surveillance video showed a man later identified as Cass walking through hallways, removing classroom nameplates, kicking over a table, and entering a teacher’s lounge where smoke was later visible near the ceiling.
Footage also showed Cass igniting a small item with a lighter and using it to set a banner on fire near the southwest entrance, according to Ozarks First.
Investigators said Cass damaged a framed image of Jesus and three statues of Mary inside the school.
According to investigators, Cass told police that he broke into the building by throwing a rock through a window. Authorities said Cass later said he set the fire.
