BARRON COUNTY — One person has been arrested following a report of a fire at the AmericInn Hotel in Rice Lake on Saturday, according to a press release from the Rice Lake Police Department.
Press Release
On Saturday, February 4, 2023, at approximately 11:18 am, Rice Lake Police and Rice Lake Fire were dispatched to the AmericInn Hotel for the report of a fire. While the fire was initially reported as being outside the building, as the first officers arrived on the scene it was clear the fire was inside. The hotel guests were safely evacuated and the Rice Lake Fire Department was able to quickly extinguish the fire.
The fire caused significant damage to the interior of the hotel.
Through witness statements, it was learned that a person had been observed acting suspiciously in the hotel and near the location of the fire.
As officers were searching the building they learned from hotel staff that this person had locked themselves inside a storage room and started to barricade the door. Officers were forced to breach the door and the suspect, Jessica Biscobing (36), was arrested without further incident.
The results of the investigation have been referred to the Barron County District Attorney's Office for their review, and to determine the appropriate criminal offense charges.
Biscobing is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Also assisting at the scene were the Barron County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Marshfield Medical Center Ambulance.
Last Update: Feb 06, 2023 8:13 am CST
