PRESS RELEASE
Elmira Police Department 317 East Church Street, Elmira, New York 14901
From: Sergeant William Goodwin Contact Number: (607)737-5626
Date: April 30th 2025
Subject: Arson Investigation
On April 30th 2025 at around 07:00 AM, the Chemung County E-911 Communications Center received notification of a fire alarm activation at St Joseph’s Apartments; 550 E Church St in the City of Elmira.
Responding Elmira Fire Department personnel located and contained a working fire which originated from an occupied apartment on the fifth floor of the building. Elmira Police Officers and members of the Elmira Police Department Detective Bureau arrived on scene and were informed that an accelerant was detected and the origin of the fire was suspicious.
Through investigation, 76-year-old Elmira resident Martin Beebe was arrested and charged with Arson in the Second Degree, a class B Felony. He remains in the custody of the Elmira Police Department pending arraignment in Elmira City Court.
The Elmira Police Department was assisted by the Elmira Fire Department and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. No injuries were reported to 911 or EMS personnel on scene. Displaced tenants are being assisted by property management and the local American Red Cross office.
The Elmira Police Department is asking anyone with information about this matter to call the Elmira Police Department at (607)737-5626 or leave a message on the anonymous tip-line at (607)271-HALT.
Respectfully,
Sgt William Goodwin
Detective Bureau