Arson Damages Vacant Building on Hempstead Rd.; Cornfield Fire Reported — East Lampeter Police Seek Tips
Firefighters found signs of arson at a construction site on Hempstead Road; a separate cornfield fire was reported nearby the same evening.
On Oct. 22, 2026 at about 7:33 p.m., Lafayette Fire Company and East Lampeter Township Police responded to an active fire at 1770 Hempstead Rd.; firefighters observed activity consistent with arson at the unoccupied, under-construction building owned by High Associates, which sustained extensive damage. Shortly after, officers were called to the 600 block of Willow Rd. for a report that a person with a backpack entered a cornfield and started a fire; a small area was burned and the suspect was not located. Police ask anyone with information to call (717) 291-4676 or submit an anonymous tip and request that nearby residents and businesses review security camera footage; they thanked West Lampeter Township Police, PA State Police, Lafayette Fire Company and the Witmer Fire Protection Association for assistance.