Hannibal Man Arrested After Car Torched in Palmyra

(Palmyra, Mo)--A suspicious car fire in Palmyra Sunday night results in the arrest of a Hannibal man.  According to Palmyra Police Chief Eddie Bogue, officers called to the 100 block of Lafayette Street just before midnight Sunday found a car engulfed in flames.  The officer extinguished most of the fire until the Palmyra Rural Fire Department arrived to completely put it out.

The owner of the car was notified and since the cause was deemed suspicious, the Missouri State Fire Marshall's Office was called in.

Officers initiated an investigation that led to a suspect, 29-year-old James D. Smith of Hannibal being arrested early Monday morning at his residence.  Smith was placed on a 24 hour hold at that time and later that day, a warrant was issued for Knowingly Burning or Exploding, a Class D Felony.  Smith is lodged in the Marion County Jail on a $25,000 cash only bond.