Indianapolis, IN – A vacant duplex fire on the city’s west side led to an arson arrest following an early morning response from the Indianapolis Fire Department on May 24.
According to the Indianapolis Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched at 2:04 a.m. to 1750 West Morris Street, where they encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from the two-story structure. Crews brought the blaze under control within 40 minutes. No injuries were reported.
Investigators said four individuals, identified as squatters, were inside the vacant home at the time of the fire. All four were evacuated safely and received victim assistance. The adjoining occupied residences on either side of the duplex also sustained fire and heat damage.
The IFD Fire Investigations Unit determined the blaze to be incendiary in nature and the result of intentional arson. After conducting interviews and executing a search warrant at a nearby property, investigators identified 28-year-old Hope Hendrickson as a suspect.
According to the department, Hendrickson was arrested and charged with arson by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office on June 12. Authorities emphasized that Hendrickson remains innocent until proven guilty in court.
The IFD Fire Investigations Unit has recorded 16 arson-related arrests so far in 2025.
Anyone with information about this or other fire-related incidents is encouraged to contact the Indiana Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628, Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477, or the IFD Fire Investigations Unit at 317-327-6700.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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