|
For Immediate release: For more information on release, contact:
March 29,2010 City of Newnan Public Information, Gina Snider, 770-254-2358 NEWNAN FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEKS PUBLIC HELP FOR ARSONIST IN 10 FIRES REWARD OFFERED NewnanFire Department is asking for the public’s help in finding an arsonist that hasset at least ten arson fires in a concentrated area of the city since October.The Newnan City Council is offering a $5000 reward forinformation leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. “Iappreciate the City Council for offering this reward, for the arrest/convictionof the person/persons involved in the Pinson Street arson case. I encourageanyone in the community to come forward no matter how insignificant it mayseem, said Newnan Fire Chief David Whitley. You may contact the Newnan PoliceDepartment’s tip line at 770-254-2350. Anyone that comes forward withinformation can remain anonymous,” continues Chief Whitley. The fires have been set in the area of Savannah Street and PinsonStreet just southeast of downtown Newnan. The latestfire occurred on Birch Ave. The fire was set in a construction dumpster locatedat the rear of an unoccupied home. The fires are beingset at a rate of at least one per month. The targeted houses have all beenvacant, and the fires are generally occurring in the nighttime hours No one has been injured as a result of the arsons. Each of thefires was investigated and determined to be arson. The fires were all set in asimilar manner. “There are a lot of elderly people that live in that area,"said Newnan Police Detective Chad Wood. "It's just a matter of time before somebody gets hurt,"said Newnan Fire Marshal Ricky Ayers. "We need help from thecommunity." Ayers suggested that neighbors in that area be extra vigilant andconsider forming a neighborhood watch. "If you see something that doesn't look right -- especiallyaround vacant homes -- call 911," said Ayers. Anyone with information or who may have noticed somethingsuspicious around the time of one of the arson fires is urged to contactauthorities. Wood can be reached at 770-254-2355, Ext. 116. Ayers can bereached at 770-253-6730. Callers can leave at tip with the Newnan PoliceDepartment's anonymous tip line, 770-254-2350.
|
