Police Arrest Minnesota Man Suspected of Starting Vehicle Fire at Rochester Apartment Complex

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Police have arrested a man suspected of starting a fire at an apartment complex over the weekend. 

Read More: Fire Engulfs Vehicles at Rochester Apartment Complex

Police and firefighters responded to a vehicle fire at the Andover Apartments in the 1900 block of 8 ½ St. Southeast around 6:20 p.m. on Sunday. 

Upon arrival firefighters found a fire had engulfed two vehicles and had spread to the apartment’s exterior. No injuries were reported. 

Two vehicles suffered what was described as significant fire damage. The fire also inflicted minor damage on a third vehicle and melted the siding of the apartment building, according to the Rochester Fire Department. 

Get our free mobile app

Rochester Man Accused of Lighting Vehicles on Fire Arrested

Rochester Police Department Communications Coordinator Amanda Grayson said witnesses reported seeing someone start the fire then run into woods near the apartments. 

Officers found and arrested the suspect in an area just east of the apartment complex. He has been identified as 43-year-old Matthew Hofbauer of Rochester. 

Olmsted County Jail records indicate Hofbauer was booked into the detention center around 6:50 p.m. Sunday, which is about a half an hour after the fire was reported. 

Grayson says he faces arson charges. Jail records show he was booked on suspicion of second-degree arson. 

Information on how he allegedly started the fire has not been released. Hofbauer is awaiting his first appearance in Olmsted County Court.

More Minnesota News:

• Widespread Severe Storms Possible in Southeast Minnesota Tuesday
• Out of Control Semi Rolls in Crash Near Chatfield, Trucker Hurt
• Rochester Police ID State Trooper & Others Injured in Fatal Crash
• 74-Year-Old Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Abuse