Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Thursday's fire at the Cripplegate Cafe near Leesburg has been ruled arson.
The cafe was destroyed by fire early Thursday morning. The Leesburg Fire Department found the building engulfed in flames when they arrived.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department report stated there was a "pattern on the floor of the cafe which appears to be from some liquid accelerant which apparently was put on the floor and spread into a small closet and bathroom off the dining room area."
The report also said the burn pattern appeared to be large. Fire officials told police that the building was locked when they arrived.
The fire department is continuing the investigation with a representative from the State Fire Marshal.
