TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Assistant Fire Chief Luis Santiago says they believe a combination of teens and gangs are setting most of the 80 suspicious fires in Toledo this year. The reason, however, varies.
He says they are finding evidence on scene that is part of ongoing investigations. "We've seen it as their version of urban renewal, and we've seen it for just kicks," Santiago said. "We've also seen it for gang-related 'marking your turf' type of activities. So, it's happening for a lot of different reasons."
Fire investigators and Toledo police are following up on leads coming in to CrimStopper. There is a $25,000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person or person responsible for the arsons. Anyone with information can call Call CrimeStopper at 419.255.111 with information that could help police.
The fire department says they're very concerned for the neighbors who live next to these vacant houses. Most seriously are the ones set at night when the neighborhood is sleeping.
