Two people arrested in connection with July 4th fire on North Avenue

GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado (KREX) – Two men have been arrested in connection with the July 4 fire at the North Avenue Mall that damaged several stores.

Shane Frost, 32, and Ian Kester, 25, were both charged with first-degree arson and second-degree burglary after being arrested following a traffic stop on July 6. The two were arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Center.

Grand Junction Police and Fire Departments suspected arson and their investigation determined that two people were responsible for the fire.

The fire originally broke out around 6 a.m. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one business, while three neighboring businesses sustained minor damage. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries as a result of the fire.

The police department stated in a press release that the fire was an isolated incident and posed no danger to the public.

The fire remains under investigation.