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Arrest made in Sweet Home’s Fir Lawn arson fire

Sweet Home police have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the Feb. 25 arson fire that destroyed a portion of Fir Lawn Lutheran Church.

According to a statement posted Wednesday on Facebook, police arrested Andrew Jacob Cartwright, 36, on Tuesday, April 25, and charged him with multiple felonies in connection with the case, including arson, burglary and criminal mischief. He was lodged in Linn County Jail.

Court records currently list Cartwright as residing at a Sutherlin address, but he has had a number of interactions with law enforcement in Linn County over recent years. He is facing charges of third-degree robbery and third-degree theft involving at least one incident at Serranos Taqueria, the alleged theft of $10 from a tip jar from the restaurant, 1502 Long St., on Feb. 2.

Police said the investigation of the arson case “progressed with the help of several agencies, including the Oregon State Police Arson Unit, Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Sweet Home Fire Department.

“Through the hard work of all involved the suspect was identified, located (outside of Linn County), interviewed, and arrested.”

Police said they will “continue to coordinate with the Linn County District Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is had in this case.”