MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Coon Rapids Police Seek Public's Help Investigating Suspicious Fire at Alder Park

Authorities say fire inside park restroom facility is believed to be arson; no injuries reported

COON RAPIDS, Minn. (June 5, 2026) Coon Rapids police and fire officials are asking for the public's assistance as they investigate a suspicious fire that damaged a portable restroom Thursday morning at one of the city's neighborhood parks.

According to the City of Coon Rapids, emergency responders were dispatched shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday to Alder Park, located at 50 104th Avenue NW, following reports of a fire inside a portable toilet situated on park property.

Fire crews arrived and quickly extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported, and no additional structures or park facilities were damaged during the incident.

Authorities estimate the fire caused approximately $1,500 in property damage.

Investigators have classified the incident as suspicious and believe the fire may have been intentionally set.

The case is currently being investigated as a possible act of arson by the Coon Rapids Police Department and Coon Rapids Fire Department.

Officials have not released information regarding potential suspects, witness descriptions, or evidence recovered from the scene. Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the area Thursday morning or who observed suspicious activity near Alder Park to come forward.

"Fires not only endanger the lives of citizens, but also firefighters and other first responders," city officials said in a public statement seeking assistance from residents.

Public Assistance Requested

Authorities are encouraging residents who may have information related to the incident to contact Detective Doug Barron of the Coon Rapids Police Department at 763-767-6559.

Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who may have been at or near Alder Park before emergency crews arrived or who may have observed unusual activity around the park facilities.

Police have not indicated whether surveillance footage from nearby residences, businesses, or city facilities may be available as part of the investigation.

As is common in suspected arson cases, investigators will work to determine the fire's origin and cause while examining whether accelerants or other evidence indicate intentional ignition.

Protecting Community Spaces

Alder Park is one of several neighborhood parks maintained by the City of Coon Rapids and serves local residents with recreational amenities and open green space.

While the damage from Thursday's fire was relatively limited, public safety officials note that intentionally set fires pose risks far beyond the immediate property involved.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, intentionally set fires can spread rapidly, threaten nearby property, place residents at risk, and expose firefighters and emergency personnel to dangerous and unpredictable conditions.

Municipal officials routinely encourage residents to report suspicious behavior, particularly in parks, public facilities, and other community spaces where vandalism or fire-related incidents may occur.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Detective Doug Barron at 763-767-6559.

Residents witnessing suspicious activity or an emergency situation should immediately call 911.

Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.

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