LITTLE ROCK — Authorities said they suspect arson in a fire that seriously damaged the city hall in Rison in Cleveland County.
Cleveland County sheriff's office Capt. Gary Young said crews were called to the city hall shortly after 3 a.m. when a newspaper delivery employee noticed flames in the structure.
Young said the area near the police department was gutted and that there is significant smoke damage throughout the rest of the building.
"It's still standing," he said. "But there's no way they can work in there."
Multiple items were reported missing from the building and there were signs of forced entry, Young said. He declined to identify the missing items.
City hall did not have surveillance, but Young said police are looking at surveillance from other parts of town for possible clues.
The sheriff's office is investigating with Arkansas State Police.