Fire at Minneapolis bar is second arson try since June

Star Tribune

Last update: July 23, 2008 - 11:56 PM

Fire at bar is second arson try since June

For the second time in just over a month, authorities are investigating a suspicious fire outside the Cardinal Bar in south Minneapolis.

Crews extinguished a fire about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday that "was intentionally set" near a wooden fence, said Sgt. Sean McKenna of the Minneapolis Police Department's arson squad.

McKenna said that a June 14 fire outside the bar, at 2920 E. 38th St., just west of the 38th Street light-rail station, also was the work of an arsonist. In that fire, a passer-by saw flames about 4 a.m. and used a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire that burned the bar's awning.

McKenna said officials don't know whether the fires are related. Damage has been minimal.

Police are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anybody with information is asked to call the Minneapolis police arson squad at 612-673-3389 or the Minnesota arson hot line at 1-800-723-2020.

TIM HARLOW

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