SUSPICIOUS FIRE — Cleveland Fire Department officials are in charge of a fire investigation where a home sustained minor damage. Officials believe the fire may have been intentionally set and it is one of six under investigation. Banner photo, GREG KAYLOR
A reward is being offered for information.
The latest fire was reported late Sunday evening.
Cleveland Fire Department firefighters responded to Oakdale Avenue in northwest Cleveland where they found a utility room on fire. The owners of the home were not there when the fire was reported.
According to Lt. Donnie Sullivan, fire and arson investigator for CFD, this is the sixth reported fire in the area of Oakdale, Woodlawn Avenue and Jackson Street.
One house was set on fire on two separate occasions. Both times, the home was unoccupied.
Sullivan indicated one fire was set at the rear of the home while the other was set on a front porch and sustained major damage.
Most of the fires have been small and have not caused major damage.
The fires in the area reportedly began in May.
“Some of the structures suspected set on fire have been occupied, others have not,” said Sullivan.
Cleveland Police Criminal Investigations Division and Special Investigations Unit investigators have been aiding Sullivan and Ben Atchley in locating a suspect.
Witnesses in the area have provided a basic description of the person believed to be involved.
According to Sullivan, the suspect is believed to be a white male with dark or reddish-colored hair, slim build and possibly riding a bicycle. He may also have a black back-pack.
“The suspect could live in the neighborhood,” said Sullivan.
“Anyone seeing someone suspicious in this area should call 911 and report it. If neighbors see someone acting suspiciously or (he) just doesn’t fit in, report to 911, the Cleveland Police Department or myself,” said Sullivan.
Tennessee Bomb and Arson offers a reward for up to $1,500 for information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of the alleged offender.
Below are critical phone contacts to leave information regarding the suspicious fires.
n In the event of emergency, dial 911.
n Cleveland Fire Department — 476-6753
n Cleveland Police Department Criminal Investigations — 476-1125
n Tennessee Bomb and Arson — 1-800-762-3017.
