Mishawaka police found more than a fire when they were called to Francesco’s restaurant early Monday morning.

They also discovered an apparent break-in.

“The door, the east side of the building, the window was broken out and the door was open at the time of the police officer’s arrival,” said Mishawaka Fire Marshal George Schafer, who added that the fire is considered “suspicious.”

Marshal Schafer added that the burn pattern was unusual. “Well the fire was mainly toward the basement and the first floor area on the west side of the building.”

Today was the third straight day investigators spent on the scene. It was the first day that an accelerant sniffing dog was used.

“Canine Bosco,” said Jeremy Himan, a K-9 Hander with the Portage Fire Department. “If there were any accelerants, gasolines, diesel fuels, anything anybody would use for an accelerant, he can find it and indicate on it, even if it’s already been burned.”

Himan wouldn’t say exactly what Bosco may or may not have found today, other than to say that when the Black Lab pinpoints a possible problem, investigators take samples and send those to the scientific lab.
“He’s actually, canines have been proven in the laboratory to be more sensitive than the lab equipment so he can actually go lower than what the laboratory equipment can detect,” said Himan.

At this point, the investigation is said to be closer to the beginning than the end, and officials have yet to conduct interviews or develop a list of potential suspects.

“I mean if anybody knows anything about the business, or has any anything that would shed light, involving the fire, please call either Crime Stoppers, we have had a couple of tips through Crime Stoppers already from people that have some information so we're following those leads,” said Marshal Schafer.

The Mishawaka Fire Department is conducting a joint investigation with the insurance company for Francesco’s.

The insurance today brought a mobile forensics lab to the scene.

The son of the restaurant owner today told News Center 16 that he didn’t know any more about the cause of the fire than reporters did.

Frank Catanzariti said he has not yet been allowed to enter the building and is anxious to retrieve personal mementos like photographs.