Crime & Safety
Guest Charged With Arson After East Des Moines Motel Is Set On Fire
A pile of mattresses were reportedly set on fire and damaged a laundry facility detached from the main motel.
DES MOINES, IA — A fire that caused an estimated $40,000 in damage to the Redwood Motel on Hubbell Avenue Wednesday night was ruled arson. Police arrested one man in connection with the crime early Thursday.
Joseph Michael Barrese, 33, a resident of Delaware township, remained in the Polk County Jail without bond early today. He is charged with one count of first-degree arson.
The Des Moines Register reported that motel security footage helped identify Barrese, who was listed as a motel guest at the time. The Register reported police arrived at the motel to find a pile of burning mattresses. The fire also damaged a detached laundry building.
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No guests were reportedly injured.
Joseph Michael Barrese/Polk County Jail photo
Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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