INDIANAPOLIS — Investigators believe an early morning fire in the garage of a west side home that left one man in critical condition on Friday, was an act of arson.
According to Indianapolis Fire Department, firefighters were called to a fire with possible entrapment at 1363 Belmont Ave around 3:30 a.m.
Firefighters arrived to a single story structure with heavy fire and smoke showing and began a defensive attack. The fire was under control by 3:53 a.m.
The department said they located an adult male victim who was sleeping in the garage, being used as a living space.
The man was unconscious as firefighters removed him from the building. CPR was established and the man was transported to the hospital.
"No working smoke alarms were heard or located inside the "residence" and without the aggressive efforts of the crews, this could have proved fatal," IFD said.
The man remains in critical condition but is alert.
After an investigation, IFD and IMPD ruled the fire as intentionally set arson.
The victim is a 48-year-old hispanic male who was living in the home with his wife and 2 children. His family was out of town at the time of the fire.
Police ask anyone with information to call one of the following:
- Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477 (TIPS) or download their mobile app P3Tips
- IFD/IMPD Fire Investigations office at 317-327-6700
- Indiana Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628
Callers may receive an award of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Callers are not required to provide their name.
