Coordinated Investigation Leads to Arrest in Riverside Park Fire

Published on November 09, 2026

On Saturday, November 7, 2026, at approximately 2:01 a.m., the La Crosse Fire Department and La Crosse Police Department responded to an early morning fire near the main entrance of Riverside Park. A portable bathroom located near the entrance had caught fire, and due to its close proximity to the Riverside South Restroom, the flames quickly spread to that building's roof.

Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy flames on the southwest exterior of the building, which were beginning to spread inside through the roof. Firefighters gained access through the locked women's restroom directly below the burning roof to search for occupants and extinguish the flames. While no injuries were reported, the portable toilet was a total loss, and the Riverside South restroom sustained extensive damage to its roof and interior trusses.

Through close collaboration, immediate resource sharing, and the downtown cameras, a suspect was identified. Lee H. Redmond III (03/15/1980) was taken into custody and arrested for Negligent Handling of Burning Materials and Felony Bail Jumping. He is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Arrested: 

Lee H. Redmond III (03/15/1980)

Charges: 

941.10(1) Negligent Handling of Burning Materials

946.49(1)(B) Felony Bail Jumping