Woman suspected of arson across from kindergarten center arrested | Crime

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) – An arrest has been made in connection to a house fire across the street from the Jonesboro Kindergarten Center in September.

According to Jonesboro Police and Fire investigators, Lisa Ann Caplinger was arrested in Poinsett County and charged with arson.

Investigators say on September 25, a house on West Nettleton caught fire early that morning causing traffic issues for morning drop-off at the Jonesboro Kindergarten Center.

A video shows the suspect walk behind the house, and a few minutes later come back out. On the video, a person is seen walking quickly and looking over their shoulder. A few seconds later, smoke can be seen coming from the home.

Investigators say the person on that video is Lisa Ann Caplinger. She appeared in court Monday and a judge set her bond at $25,000.

Jonesboro police also made a burglary arrest at the same house, five days later.

On September 30, police were dispatched to the house in reference to suspicious activity taking place outside of the house. After further investigation, police said they apprehended two men they found inside the house—Cody Cavender, 24, and John Henry Bates, 23, both of Jonesboro.

Police said Cavender is also one of the people who called 911 to alert police about the fire on September 25.

Officers said a flat screen television, a Blue Ray Disc player, a sound system, a socket set, a guitar and amp, and 38 pieces of silver from a kitchen set were among the stolen items.

Both men appeared in court and were charged with criminal attempt of theft of property, a class A misdemeanor, and breaking or entering, a class D felony.

A judge set their bonds at $2,000. Their next court appearances are November 21. 

Region 8 News will continue to track this story and bring you any new details as soon as they become available.

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