According to Assistant Chief of Police Mike Turner, On Aug. 15, around 5:53 a.m., Altus Fire and Police personnel responded to a reported structure fire at 1328 Spruce St . Turner said that, according to Investigators, the fire was contained to the back side of the home creating significant damage.

Due to past incidents in the neighborhood, and the very nature of the fire, the incident appears suspicious and is being investigated as arson. The investigation is being conducted jointly between the Altus Fire Department and Investigators with the Altus Police Department.

The family had recently experienced an incident involving their above ground swimming pool being punctured with a large hole. In a separate incident, three of their vehicle tires had been slashed.