MISSOULA — The Missoula Police Department arrested a woman on charges of arson related to a structure fire at the former HuHot building on Brooks Street.
“Arson, because of the sheer value of the building, is a felony," Missoula Police Department Captain Eddie McLean said.
The arrest of 34-year-old Amy Birk followed an investigation that involved coordination between Missoula Police Arson-trained detectives and Missoula Fire Department officials.
Investigators determined that the fire originated in a shed on Wednesday, March 19th. Detectives reviewed surveillance video, which captured footage of a suspect. An off-duty police officer later observed a woman matching the suspect's description and reported her to the detectives.
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Birk was interviewed by detectives before being booked into the Missoula County Detention Facility.
"Two detectives responded to the scene and positively identified the female as Amy Birk. She was interviewed and taken into custody, and subsequently transported to the jail," McLean said.
The Missoula Police Department expressed gratitude for the community’s assistance in providing surveillance footage, which helped in the swift identification and apprehension of the suspect.
“The assistance of surrounding businesses in our community in obtaining surveillance was critical," McLean told MTN.
Watch Here for the Surveillance Video (edited)
Investigators are still working to put all the pieces together.
“We do it as expediently as possible, but give the county attorney's office the best picture possible when they're making an ultimate decision. There's a lot more that's going to be coming in the next couple of days," McLean stated.
Birk is expected to be in court on Monday, March 24.
