'Caveman' suspected of starting fire: Police hunt witness to blaze that left a dozen homeless



Wanted: This man is believed to be a key witness in an Iowa City fire

The discovery of fire was a pivotal moment in the evolution of man - and one Neanderthal appears to still be entranced by the flames.

A man linked with a blaze looks as if he speaks only in grunts and hunts wild animals with a club.

Police have not called the man a suspect but have released this composite sketch image of a person of interest who bears a striking resemblance to Captain Caveman.

An estimated $135,000 of damage was caused by the fire at 421 Dodge St in Iowa City last Saturday and this man is wanted by police as a possible witness.

‘They know who they are and we need to talk to them as a witness, and hope they’ll come forward for themselves,’ said Sgt. Denise Brotherton of the Iowa City Police Department.

The witness is described as being between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall and was wearing a dark coloured coat and trousers.

He has a heavy beard and long hair and police believe he may be a transient man who is not from the Iowa City area.

Officers have refused to confirm whether they believe the man pictured started the Dodge St fire, with left a dozen people without a home.



Fire officials said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.



Anyone with information about the identity of this person is asked to contact Investigator DJ Steva at 319-356-5284.



All calls are held in strict confidence and anonymity is guaranteed. Individuals providing information do not have to reveal their identity to collect a reward.











