Crime & Safety
South Bend, IN Police Seek People Seen Near Downtown Fire Scenes
SOUTH BEND, IN – Authorities are asking for the public's help as investigators continue examining two separate fires in downtown South Bend, including a massive blaze that engulfed a multistory buildi
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-20T16:57:17.801Z
SOUTH BEND, IN – Authorities are asking for the public's help as investigators continue examining two separate fires in downtown South Bend, including a massive blaze that engulfed a multistory building. Police have released surveillance images of several people they hope to identify as part of the ongoing investigations.
According to Michiana Crime Stoppers, the South Bend Fire Department and South Bend Police Department are working together to gather information about fires that occurred June 8 and Sept. 7, 2026, along South Lafayette Boulevard.
The first fire was reported June 8 at 115 S. Lafayette Blvd. The second occurred Sept. 7 at 520 S. Lafayette Blvd., both in the downtown South Bend area of St. Joseph County.
Images shared with the public show a building engulfed in flames, along with surveillance photographs of individuals investigators are seeking to identify.
Authorities have not publicly identified the individuals pictured or stated that they are suspects. Police are asking anyone who recognizes them or has information about either incident to come forward.
The investigations involve two separate locations, and officials have not established a public connection between the fires. No determination about the causes of the fires was provided in the Crime Stoppers announcement.
The South Bend Police Department also shared the Crime Stoppers appeal, encouraging residents to assist investigators.
How to Submit a Tip
Anyone with information can contact the South Bend Police Department Detective Bureau at 574 235 9263 .
Residents who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574 288 STOP 7867 or submit information online at p3tips.com/203 .
Crime Stoppers emphasizes that anonymous tips are not tracked through caller identification or IP addresses. Information that helps solve a case may qualify for a cash reward.
Authorities continue seeking information that could help investigators determine what happened at both locations.