Woman arrested, teen sought in Clinton church arson

CLINTON, Wis. — A woman and a juvenile in Clinton are facing charges in connection with an arson two weeks ago on church property and stolen playground items, police say. An out-of-state teen and others are also being sought, officials said.

The Clinton Police Department said 46-year-old Andrea M. Kober-Last is facing a charge of party to the crime of arson, party to the crime of theft and receiving stolen property.

Clinton police said firefighters responded at 8:20 a.m. on Aug. 13 to a report of a fire at a vacant home at 314 Church St. owned by the First Presbyterian Church.

Investigators discovered someone had attempted to set the Noah’s Ark playground equipment on fire and had stolen items from the playground.

Police searched a nearby home Sunday and found the missing playground equipment.

Officers said they also received information that a 19-year-old man from Rockford, Illinois, broke into the residence at 314 Church and started the fire. The police department is seeking to arrest two others in connection with the arson, according to the report.

The estimated damage to the residence was $200,000, and officials are still determining if the residence will be a total loss, police said Tuesday.

A girl who police didn’t identify is also facing charges of party to the crime of receiving stolen property and party to the crime arson.

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