Up to $10,000 Reward
TRENTON, Ga (WDEF) – The Georgia fire Marshall is offering a reward for up to $10,000, for any information that could help investigators solve an arson fire that took place at a potential voting location.
“ We got dispatched to a structure fire with flames showing at the front and rear of the structure. The location of the fire was halfway up the ramp on the exterior. We had to force entry. There were no windows knocked out and all the locks were still intact. It was all from the outside. There weren’t any storms that night for lightning so that’s when we decided it didn’t look right,” says Ansel Smith, Assistant Fire Chief at the Trenton Fire Department.
Investigators say the fire was set intentionally- but the information is very limited.
“This is or was going to be a voting precinct. They were going to store some voting machines here. But hardly anyone is up at 2 o’clock in the morning around this area. So it’s really difficult, especially with no information at all. You’re pretty much starting from scratch,” says Detective Denny Reyes, Investigator for the Trenton Police Department.
The state fire Marshal’s office is offering up to $10,000 for any information that could help solve this dangerous crime that damaged more than 30% of the building.
“It got inside and up into the raptors and burned some supports. It was a quick stop but there was a lot of heat damage because it was smoldering for a while with a lot Of heat. So there is quite a bit of damage,” says Smith.
“We’re just looking for some information hoping you will help us get the word out and the reward will entice someone to come forward with information on this so we can have at least somewhere to start,” says Reyes.
If you have any information regarding this fire, please contact local law enforcement immediately – you can remain anonymous.
Detective Jerry Parrish at 404-783-7036 or Detective Denny Reyes at 706-657-4167 ext. 116.