Accelerants Detected, Restaurant Owner Charged With Arson

The owner of a Jefferson Pizza Ranch restaurant has been charged with setting the business on fire. Robert Duane Schultz, 53, of Ankeny, was charged with first-degree arson, insurance fraud, and first-degree criminal mischief. An arrest warrant was issued for Schultz. The fire happened around 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 26. Police said evidence at the scene showed multiple origins of the fire, and testing showed accelerants were used in different parts of the business. Authorities said, "Records gathered by search warrants during the investigation showed the business was experiencing financial difficulties."