Neosho man arrested for arson following fire at EconoLodge on Range Line

(From the Joplin Police Department)

This morning (11/21/2017) at about 4:36 a.m officers were dispatched to EconoLodge, 3510 South Range Line, for a disturbance. 

When the officer arrived, he saw smoke coming from the north side of the building on the second floor. The hotel staff told officers they had been told the resident of the room was destroying the room and throwing things through the glass window.

As the officer approached the room, a male jumped out of the room through the partially broken glass and ran away. 

Officers gave the male commands and took him into custody without further incident. Officers began evacuating rooms as the smoke was very thick at that point. The Joplin Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire and investigate the cause of the fire.

The male was taken into custody for arson in the first degree and transported to the Joplin City Jail. He exhibited behavior consistent with being under the influence of narcotics and hasn’t been able to be booked in yet so no mugshot is available. 

Charges are being submitted to the Newton County Prosecutor’s Office. He has been identified as Corey L Stevens, 36, from Neosho. No injuries were reported from this incident.

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at the Econolodge, 3510 S Rangeline, on Tuesday, 21 November, at 4:44 AM. 

Crews arrived on scene at 4:48 AM. On arrival, fire personnel found a two-story hotel with fire showing from the second floor. JPD and hotel employees had already begun evacuation of all occupants. 

JFD personnel assisted in the evacuation and simultaneously attacked and extinguished the fire. The fire was contained to the room of origin, #225, and there were no injuries. Crews remained on scene until 7:12 AM.

JFD responded with six apparatus and a total of 19 personnel. Assistance was provided by the Redings Mill Fire Department, METS, Newton County Ambulance and the JPD.