Man Charged After Fire Set Inside St. Paul Hospital Vestibule, Complaint Alleges
Published: April 14th 2026
SAIN T PAUL MN: A man has been charged in Ramsey County District Court after a fire was allegedly set inside United Hospital vestibule in St. Paul.
According to the criminal complaint, officers with the St. Paul Police Department and personnel from the St. Paul Fire Department responded at approximately 5:00 a.m. on March 28, 2026, to a report of a fire at United Hospital, located at 310 N. Smith Street in St. Paul.
Hospital security reported that a man they regularly deal with, identified as Manuel Candamil, intentionally set a fire inside the hospital vestibule. The vestibule is connected to the rest of the hospital, according to the complaint.
The complaint states surveillance video shows Candamil sitting alone on a bench in the vestibule with what appeared to be IV drug paraphernalia nearby. The video then shows Candamil handling the items before a fire ignited on the seat. Candamil is then seen lying down next to the fire, according to the complaint.
Hospital security noticed the fire and extinguished it with a fire extinguisher before it spread further.
Candamil is charged with fourth-degree arson—setting a fire in a multiple-unit residential or public building—under Minnesota Statute 609.5631.2, a gross misdemeanor. The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
The complaint states that, based on the seriousness of the incident, the state is requesting a complaint and warrant in the case.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.