To solve 2020 arson, Indianapolis firemen need the public’s assistance

Indianapolis, Indiana – A reward is being offered by the state fire marshal and the Indianapolis Fire Department for information that results in the apprehension and conviction of the arsonist for 2020.

A fire broke out on the back deck of the couple’s house in the 1200 block of East 91st Street early on November 7, 2020, waking them up along with their dogs. That’s a neighborhood near to the Monon Trail, southwest of I-465.

Before the fire reached the inside of the house, the couple and their pets managed to escape.

Fueled by a substantial quantity of split wood for the fireplace downstairs, the fire quickly gained momentum and stretched the length of the wooden deck. Despite telling firefighters that they had reported some recent vandalism in the vicinity to IMPD, the couple has no idea what could have sparked the fire, according to an IFD announcement issued after the incident.

The house was seriously damaged.

After examining the available evidence and home security footage, investigators concluded that the fire was started on purpose. The case is still unsolved despite a thorough investigation and the absence of any arrests.

IFD Battalion Chief Rita Reith stated in a release on Tuesday that the department’s fire investigation team is hopeful that “new leads and advancements in forensic technology may now provide the opportunity to bring closure to this long-standing case.”

We’re asking anyone with information to come forward and assist us in our investigation.
Information leading to the identification and conviction of the arsonist(s) is(are) eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Vernon Garard, the battalion chief of fire investigations, stated, “We are hopeful that someone out there has a piece of information that could be the key to solving this case.” “We kindly request that anyone who may have heard or seen anything connected to the fire get in touch with our investigators.”

[email protected] is the email address to send tips to, or phone the Indiana Arson tip line at 1-800-382-4628.