Northfield Arson Suspect Caught With Pants On Fire

The suspect in two arson fires, one of which damaged the Northfield City Hall, was caught with his pants on fire, according to police. Northfield police said Mark Cole, 43, set fire to his home on College Street, drove to city hall, parked between two vehicles and set his van on fire. The van fire destroyed the two other vehicles and caused smoke and water damage to city hall.Mark ColeAccording to police, a Rice County deputy saw Cole running away from city hall with his pants on fire. Cole was arrested. Police said Cole told them he was unemployed, behind on his mortgage payments and frustrated with the state and federal government. Police said he told them he set the fires wanted people to notice his problems. Cole is in jail and will likely be charged with arson.