Arson causes $1m in damage in downtown Newman

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Arson caused about $1 million in damage to the Odd Fellows building in downtown Newman early Saturday, police said. Six businesses leasing space in the building were displaced by the blaze. No one was in the building when the fire started, about 5 a.m., and no firefighters were injured. Newman Police Chief Adam McGill said firefighters from Newman, Gustine, Crows Landing, Patterson and Westley responded. McGill said the first firefighters to arrive found the fire rapidly spreading to the second floor. The top floor of the building was damaged by fire, he said, and the bottom floor by water. Surveillance footage from a camera showed two males in dark clothing running from the area where the fire started, McGill said, and the two fled in a dark-colored vehicle. There was no further description of the suspects. Fire investigators determined that the fire was set, McGill said. Newman police ask anyone with information about this fire to call officer Edgar Lopez at 862-2902 or Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters also can e-mail tips through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.