Authorities investigate fire at Sun Loan Co.

Cape Girardeau fire and police departments are investigating a fire they consider to be suspicious and a related theft.

At 8:58 a.m. Monday, firefighters responded to a fire at Sun Loan Co., 2007 Independence St. According to the fire department, the blaze started in a back interior corner of the building, which is housed in a strip mall. The fire is under investigation by the state fire marshal's office.

Police are investigating the reported theft of an undisclosed amount of money from the business' safe.

Fire damage was contained to the fire's point of origin, officials said, but there was heavy heat and smoke damage throughout the business and light smoke damage in businesses on both sides of Sun Loan Co.

The total damage is estimated at $50,000. The owner of the building is Ronald Rueseler of Cape Girardeau. Kelly Hardin is the office manager for Sun Loan Co., which is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.