Fire Suspect Found Dead in Cheongju Reservoir

A 60-year-old suspect, who set fires in various locations in the city center of Cheongju, was found dead at the Myeongam Reservoir.

On the morning of the 15th, the Cheongju Sangdang Police Station reported that the 60-year-old suspect, referred to as A, was discovered dead at the Myeongam Reservoir at around 7:10 AM.

A is accused of dousing the entrances of three buildings, including multi-family homes and a mixed-use residential complex, with flammable liquid and igniting them during a spree that lasted about an hour starting at 1:10 AM on the same day.

The arson incidents prompted residents to evacuate; fortunately, there were no casualties reported from any of the three locations.

After receiving reports, the police identified A as a suspect through CCTV footage analysis and initiated a search. Following the discovery of his belongings near the Myeongam Reservoir, divers located his body during underwater searches.

A police spokesperson stated, "We are focusing the investigation on any possible grudges with the victims," but added, "It is difficult to confirm specific motives for the crimes due to A's death."

The police are closely investigating the correlation between his cause of death and the arson incidents.

Image source: Photo provided by Cheongju Dongbu Fire Station