The Stuart Police Department reports one person was arrested on arson and other charges, Sunday, following a reported fire at the Super 8 hotel just off Interstate 80 at the Stuart exit. Officials say evidence discovered during the investigation resulted in the arrest of Jason McGowan, of Stuart.  McGowan was arrested at the scene of the fire and taken to the Adair County Jail, where he was charged with 1st Degree Arson, filing False Reports (Arson) and False Reports to Public Safety Entity in relation to the fire.

The incident began at around 5:35-p.m. Sunday, with reports of a fire at the Super 8 Hotel located at 203 SE 7th St. in Stuart. Officers arrived and found a guest room on fire. According to Stuart Police Chief David Reha fire alarms were not working in the building at the time of the fire. Stuart Police evacuated the hotel by going room to room. Officers later discovered that one of their vehicles had been intentionally damaged while they were inside evacuating the hotel. The hotel room was a total loss and damage is estimated in excess of $3,000.00. Damage to the police vehicle was estimated at $200.

Due to suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire, a cooperative investigation was conducted by members of the Stuart Police Department, Stuart Fire Department, and Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, which led to McGowan’s arrest. In addition to the arson and false report charges, McGowan was charged with Criminal Mischief,  with regard to the damage caused to a police vehicle.