GPD investigates possible arson, burglaries

Jan 4, 2023 12:58 pm
Fire at Oaks Mall Plaza
The Gainesville Police Department is investigating a fire and two burglaries at the Oaks Mall Plaza. (Courtesy of Gainesville Fire Rescue)
Courtesy of Gainesville Fire Rescue

The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) is investigating a burglary and possible arson that occurred at the Oaks Mall Plaza on Tuesday morning.

According to GPD spokesperson David Chudzik, officers saw break-in entry in units 6751 and 6755 at 6757 Newberry Road. Chudzik added that the third case is the fire at 2:30 a.m. that they are investigating as a possible arson.

Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) and Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) responded to a fire alarm on the first floor at 6575 Newberry Road and found the first floor on fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze before it extended to the second floor. No occupants were in the building, according to a GFR release.

GFR Assistant Chief Stephen Hesson said in a phone interview that the fire is still under investigation.

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“At this point, our position is that it’s early in the investigation and it would be premature to draw conclusions,” Hesson said on the fire being arson related.

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  • C.J. Gish

    C.J. Gish is the senior editor for Mainstreet Daily News. He is a Pacific Northwest transplant who grew up in Oregon and moved to Florida in 2018. C.J. has spent more than 30 years in media, public relations and marketing, including stints as a newspaper reporter, working at two TV stations (FOX and ABC) in Boise, and as a media specialist for Eastern Oregon University. C.J. enjoys sports, especially the NFL and NBA, and is the father to three amazing adult children. Send story ideas to editor@mainstreetdailynews.com

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