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Police: Man started fire in St. Luke’s ER on July 4

Jul. 7, 2025 12:06 pm, Updated: Jul. 7, 2025 1:10 pm
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CEDAR RAPIDS -- An Aurora, Iowa man was arrested Friday in Cedar Rapids on one charge of arson after police say he lit a sheet on fire in the UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s Hospital Emergency Department.
Tate Richard Easley, 38, was caught on video pulling a lighter out of his pocket while staying in the emergency department, and lighting the corner of a sheet on fire at about 7 p.m. Friday, according to a criminal complaint.
He had his first appearance in court Saturday and is being held on a $25,000 bond.
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