Valpo Police Arrest Man For Arson In Friday’s Fire
The Valparaiso Police responded to the New Creation’s Resale Shop (2102 Calumet Ave.) at 6:26 a.m. Friday, to assist Valparaiso Fire with the report of a commercial fire at this location.
Upon arrival, officers learned that an employee who arrived for work had discovered a smoke smell present. Officers further learned of a pair of shoes combined with paper, had been discovered with signs of being ignited and thrown through a glass window, along with a guitar. Investigation of the area further revealed a cloth medical mask has been placed into the diesel gas tank of nearby truck, which also showed signs of being lit, and an open propane tank emanating gas in the area. As further staff members arrived, it was determined the guitar owner had been identified as known subject, Matthew Puskac, who resided nearby. Video surveillance of the area would later confirm Matthew was seen in the area with the guitar prior to fire and police response.
Matthew was located at 11:15 a.m. near Maplewood Cemetery (1800-1900 Penna Hill Dr.) by a passer by who reported him to police as a person sleeping on the grounds. Investigators spoke with Matthew, who admitted being responsible for the fires started at New Creation’s Resale Shop earlier in the day. Matthew Puskac, 37, of Valparaiso was taken into custody on charges of Arson and Criminal Mischief. Matthew was transported to and remains incarcerated at the Porter County Jail on these charges.
