Bonin

A Marshalltown man has been charged with two counts of arson in connection with a slew of suspicious fires set within a few blocks of each other on Saturday night, according to a press release from the Marshalltown Police Department (MPD).

On Saturday at about 9:56 p.m., the Marshalltown Police and Fire Departments responded to a vehicle fire behind the Salvation Army at 107 W State St., which was contained to the interior of the vehicle and was quickly extinguished. About 15 minutes later, the departments were dispatched to 118 N. 2nd St. for a residence on fire. There was heavy fire to the rear of the residence, and the fire was quickly brought under control.

At approximately 11:04 p.m. while working the fire on North 2nd Street, fire crews were alerted to a trash can on fire at 107 N. 4th St. two blocks west and were able to respond, but the fire was extinguished by civilians in the area.

At approximately 11:26 p.m. the Police Department was alerted to a fire in some trees at Farmers Savings Bank, located at 205 W. Main St. Officers arrived on scene to find the fire had burned itself out. Then, at approximately 11:34 p.m., while fire crews were still working the 2nd Street fire scene, they were alerted to a residential fire at 116 N. 1st St.

The back side of the residence was fully involved and had spread to the interior of the building. Residents were present, and everyone was evacuated without injury. The residence, however, sustained major damage. The MFD was able to extinguish the fire and turn the scene over to the residents after two hours.

On Monday, the MPD responded to 208 N. 3rd St. for a report of fire damage to the property. Upon arrival, officers found fire damage to the rear of the residence, and the fire burned itself out.

“This fire is believed to have been set during the same time as the others on Saturday night and makes it the sixth fire involved,” the release reads.

Upon further investigation on Monday by fire investigators and detectives, a suspect was developed. On Tuesday at approximately 1:45 p.m, the suspect was taken into custody.

Alan Herman Bonin, 54, of Marshalltown, was arrested and charged with first degree arson, a Class B felony, and third degree arson, an aggravated misdemeanor. According to court records, Bonin had previously been charged with felony domestic assault in Marshall County on Sept. 22, and a trial in that case is currently set for December.

Bonin was booked into the Marshall County Jail on no bond and is awaiting an initial appearance. The MPD was assisted by the MFD, Marshall County Communications Center, UnityPoint Health Marshalltown, Alliant Energy, and Marshalltown Public Works.

The investigation is considered active with more charges potentially pending. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Marshall County Communications Center at 641-754-5725.