Garbage fire outside MU hospital leads to woman’s arrest

UPDATE: According to the probable cause statement, Straw is charged with knowingly burning or exploding and exploding.

Officers said Straw was caught on surveillance video removing an object from the trash, putting it back in the trash and then clutching what looks to be a lighter.

Officers said Straw is seen walking away and the trash can catching on fire and melting.

ORIGINAL: University of Missouri police officers responded to a report of a burning trash can near the main entrance of University Hospital just before 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“Evidence and eyewitness reports implicated that Melissa Straw was the person of interest,” said MUPD’s Lt. Buddy Anliker.

Straw was later arrested on suspicion of negligent burning and second-degree property damage.

Officers told ABC 17 News that there was no other damage to hospital property and no one in the building was in danger at any time.