Man injured in church arson fire, suspect still at large

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ARCATA – A fire at an Arcata church this past weekend left a man hospitalized with serious burn injuries. The Arcata Police Department have said this fire was arson and are looking for the man who they suspect ignited a flammable substance and threw it onto the steps of a Presbyterian Church where a man was sleeping.

The community is searching for answers after an arson fire left a man hospitalized and destroyed the entryway of the Presbyterian Church in downtown Arcata. Reverend Daniel Link says he wants the church to be a safe place for everyone in the community.

Officials say the fire has severely burned a 28 year old man who was sleeping in the entrance of the church when the fire began.  He was transported to Mad River Hospital where he remains in stable condition.

Reverend Link says since the incident the church has received amazing support from the community.

He said the morning after the fire the scheduled scripture reading was regarding forgiveness and on Sunday they prayed not only for the victim but for the suspect as well

The male suspect was seen fleeing the church Saturday night. Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to contact the Arcata Police.