A mother and son have been arrested following a weekend fire that destroyed the Walker County Public Defender’s Office in downtown Jasper.

Joseph Kolarchick, 19, and Amanda Jo Kolarchick, 42, are charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree theft of property and third-degree arson, Jasper police Chief J.C. Poe announced Wednesday.

Authorities said they’re still investigating the cause of the fire.

Firefighters responded about 4:30 a.m. Saturday to the massive blaze in the 400 block of 19th Street West.

Jasper Fire Chief Chris Uptain said firefighters arrived on the scene at 4:32 a.m. and began to battle the blaze and try to protect surrounding buildings. A private law office next door sustained a large amount of smoke and water damage.

Firefighters stayed on the scene for more than 12 hours, the fire chief said. The block was cordoned off for the next few days.

The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are assisting in the investigation.

Poe said he arrived on the scene about 30 minutes after the fire was discovered.

“I had grave concerns that we were going to lose the entire block,” the police chief said. “Can’t enough be said for the fire department and what they did to contain the fire.”

Poe said the investigation turned criminal after a citizen told police about “unusual foot traffic” downtown earlier that morning. They were carrying items that seemed unusual, according to the witness.

“We started pulling video from business and City Hall downtown,” he said.

Videos showed the suspects carrying items, including a computer tower with the electrical plug dragging.

Police identified the suspects and spoke with them. He said investigators learned the mother and son went into the building to steal items.

The stolen items include a pistol, identification cards, and other disclosed items.

Poe said the suspect led investigators to the stolen goods.

“These two individuals have been homeless for quite a while,” Poe said.

“Joseph has been homeless since he was 15 or 16,” he said. “It’s an extremely sad situation.”

“They’re addicted, but they’re being booked in, and their addiction is going to be treated and looked after,” Poe said.

“It’s our intent to pursue this case aggressively,” said Chief Assistant District Attorney Bryan Warren.

“This act has affected a number of individuals both professionally and personally,” Warren said. “Certainly, we want to keep them in our prayers.”