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CRAIG — Police investigating an arson fire that destroyed a downtown Craig mall have searched a home and two furniture stores that belong to the mall’s co-owner.
The Nov. 25 fire destroyed the Country Mall and displaced 11 businesses. No injuries were reported.
The mall co-owner, 66-year-old Marvin “Red” Cortner, denies involvement in the fire. He says he was shocked to learn of the searches, which took place Friday while he was out of town.
Investigators have not said Cortner is a suspect. Police Chief Walt Vanatta said that in arson cases, business owners are routinely considered persons of interest until they are conclusively ruled out.
Investigators said they seized financial records in the Friday searches.
