Arson Killer Hunt Gets Insurance Group Cash
NU Online News Service, Jan. 19, 12:38 p.m. EST?An insurance industry anti-arson group said it has made a contribution to a $110,000 reward fund designed to smoke out the arson killer who set the deadly, catastrophic wildfires this past summer in California.[@@]
The Insurance Committee for Arson Control, a branch of the Indianapolis- based National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, said it has donated $10,000 and joined other private and public agencies in offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people who intentionally set wildfires in San Bernardino, Calif.
More than 150,769 acres were burned, more than 500 homes destroyed, and up to 22 persons were reported killed by the fires, which burned for weeks.
ICAC said its contribution of $10,000 is being added to the County of San Bernardino's contributions of $50,000 and several other private companies and individuals.San Bernardino Public Information Officer David Wert says the total reward being offered is $110,000. "I think this financial incentive will get someone to come forward. The county is hopeful that we will find the person or persons responsible. This horrible act will haunt the county for years to come," he said.
ICAC said the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is leading the arson investigation, which, because of the deaths, has been elevated to a murder investigation.
Based on witness accounts, Sheriff's investigators released a composite sketch of a man suspected of starting the fire.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt. Bobby Dean with the Sheriff's Department Homicide Detail at (909) 387-3589 or toll-free at 1-866-346-7632. More than 500 calls have already been received, ICAC said.
"The murderer who set this fire has created an unimaginable amount of terror and suffering. This arsonist needs to be removed from society and punished for the devastation that has occurred," said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dennis Hansberger.
ICAC Executive Director Gregg Dykstra said his group supports the purpose of the reward."The insurance company members of ICAC are committed to the control and prosecution of arson, and this is one tangible way we can partner with public agencies to fight the terrible property damage and emotional trauma caused by these recent fires," Mr. Dykstra said.
ICAC said other organizations or individuals interested in assisting in the reward can contact Liz Thomas at (909) 387-4855.
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