Police issue warrant for worker’s ex-boyfriend in arson fire at Maine topless coffee shop

Suspect named in Maine topless coffee shop fire

VASSALBORO, Maine — Fire investigators in Maine say a man is being charged with setting a fire that destroyed the topless coffee shop where his girlfriend worked.

Officials say an arrest warrant has been issued for 49-year-old Raymond Bellavance, of Augusta.

The fire in June destroyed the Grand View Topless Coffee Shop and adjoining apartments in the small town of Vassalboro. The blaze was set hours after the shop’s owner met with town officials and told them of plans to make the business more like a strip club.

Police say they are searching for Bellavance, who hasn’t been seen in a couple of days. They say his former girlfriend worked at the shop.

Maine State Police spokesman Steve McCausland says investigators are not releasing the suspected motive for the arson.