Joplin woman charged with arson in connection with Zahn Apartments fire

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On December 19, 2025, at approximately 4:39 am, the Joplin Emergency Communications Center began receiving 911 calls stating there was a structure fire at 320 S Wall, a multiple occupancy apartment complex formerly known as the Zahn Apartments. Joplin Fire, Joplin Police, and METS Ambulance responded.

Upon arrival, Joplin Police officers assisted residents in evacuating the structure, while the Joplin Fire Department located and contained the fire.

Once the fire was extinguished, the Joplin Fire Department’s Fire Marshal started an investigation into the cause of the fire, as standard operating procedure with all fires that are reported in the City of Joplin.

During the investigation, the Joplin fire marshal concluded that the likely source of the fire was due to arson. Joplin police investigators and the Joplin fire marshal’s office jointly worked on the investigation.

During the investigation, investigators located and identified a suspect. The suspect was identified as Jody Ragan, 54, of Joplin.

After further investigation, Ragan was arrested for 1st Degree Arson and transported to the Joplin City Jail.

No injuries were reported due to the fire. At the conclusion of this incident, the Joplin Fire Department deemed the structure safe for residents to return home.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Ian Allard at 417-623-3131 extension 1496. This is still considered an open active investigation.