Man Arrested for Arson in Adelaide CBD Studio Fire
A man has been taken into custody following a devastating late-night fire that ripped through a photography studio in the Adelaide CBD, resulting in extensive damage to the business and building. Emergency services were alerted to Chesser Street just before 11pm on Wednesday after reports emerged of a large blaze engulfing the studio.
Firefighters managed to bring the inferno under control, but the structure suffered severe destruction, leaving little more than a charred shell. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
Family Business Destroyed After Two Decades
The affected business, Avalon City Imaging, has been a family-run operation for over 20 years. Owner Leah Markevicius described the scene as "completely gutted," noting that "there's nothing left but a shell, and it's all just black." Initial estimates place the damage cost at approximately $2 million, highlighting the significant financial impact of the fire.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Eastern District detectives conducted an investigation and arrested a 31-year-old man of no fixed address on Thursday afternoon. According to SA Police, the suspect is currently being interviewed and is expected to be charged with arson later that evening.
In a statement, police confirmed that he will be refused bail and is scheduled to appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday, February 20. The arrest follows inquiries into the suspicious nature of the fire, which has left the local community and business owners in shock.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of property crime in urban areas, with authorities urging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
