[Press Release] : Two intentionally-set fires damage northeast Columbia park

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Captain Eric Hartman -  (573) 874-7644 Office

Two intentionally-set fires damage northeast Columbia park

COLUMBIA, MO (May 17, 2008) - Columbia police officers were called at
4:02 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, to 5009 Aztec Boulevard, Indian Hills
City Park, for a vandalism report. Arriving officers discovered a picnic
table that had been set on fire inside a park shelter building. The fire
had already been extinguished upon report to the Police Department. 

While the police officers were on-scene at the shelter building, a
second fire was reported in the park near the Frisbee golf course.
Columbia firefighters were called at 4:56 p.m. to extinguish the second
fire.

Firefighters arrived and found approximately one-half acre of
vegetation burning. It took four firefighters, and two apparatus, about
45 minutes to bring the second fire under control. The fire damage was
limited to the picnic table in the shelter building and the vegetation
at the Frisbee golf course. There was no structural damage to the
shelter or any other park buildings. Damage is estimated at $500 to the
picnic table and items on the table. No injuries were reported in either
fire.

Investigators from the Columbia Fire Department have determined both
fires were intentionally set. At least one of the fires was set using an
ignitable liquid, believed to be charcoal lighter fluid. Evidence was
photographed at the scene. Through cooperation with the Columbia Police
Department, several witnesses were interviewed by investigators and
three juvenile suspects have been identified and are currently being
sought for questioning by the Columbia Police Department.

Anyone with information relating to this arson is asked to call Crime
Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS (8477). 

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