Suspect arrested after USPS Collection Box was set on fire, damaging 20 mail-in ballots

Phoenix (KPHO/Gray News) — Authorities in Arizona say a suspect has been taken into custody in connection with a fire at the United States Postal Service Collection Box.

The Phoenix Police Department said the fire broke out early Thursday morning and damaged at least a dozen ballots inside.

Dieter Bradford Klofkorn, 35, was arrested on an outstanding and unrelated warrant, authorities said. While in custody, police said he admitted to the arson because he “wanted to be arrested” and claimed his actions were “not politically motivated” and had nothing to do with the upcoming election.

Klofkorn started a fire at a drive-up collection mailbox near 7th Street and Indian School Road around 1:20 a.m., according to authorities.

Firefighters who arrived at the scene opened the mailbox and extinguished the flames.

Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade said 20 election ballots, along with additional mailers, were damaged in the fire.

The Collection Box is located on the property of a USPS post office, and police said investigators collected surveillance video from the scene.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service called the incident a rare occurrence and advised against dropping off ballots after hours.

Klofkorn was charged with arson of property.

Before, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said: He said he was monitoring the incident closely along with Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office and local and federal law enforcement.

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer encourages voters who have used this drop box in the last 36 hours to check the status of their ballot at: BeBallotReady.Vote. Usually the ballot status on the website changes within 72 hours.

Oct. 25 is the last day to request a new ballot, Richer said. If a voter believes they have been impacted by the fire, you can find more information on how to make a claim at: Request.Maricopa.Vote.

The Postal Inspector seized damaged ballots and mail. Fire crews continue to work with police during the investigation.