For Immediate Release

October 8, 2010

www.atf.gov

Contact: Special Agent Kim Riddell
Public Information Officer, ATF
(614) 827-8474

Capt. Rita Burris
Media Relations, IFD
(317) 716-6272

ATF Offers $5,000 Reward in Arson Attack on Policeman’s Residence

INDIANAPOLIS — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the Sept. 20th arson fire of an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officer’s home located on Chateaugay Drive.

The fire on Chateaugay Drive occurred at approximately 1:13 a.m. on Sept. 20th. The officer and his family were inside the residence at the time the fire broke out. All occupants of the residence safely escaped the blaze and called 911 for emergency assistance. The residence was a total loss with damages in excess of $100,000.

Investigators have conducted an investigation of the scene and based upon their investigation have ruled the cause of the fire arson. Investigators are seeking information from the public that may assist them in solving the case.

Anyone having information should call the ATF 24/7 hotline 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473) or Crimestoppers 1-317-262-TIPS (1-317-262-8477).

This act of violence endangered a police officer and his family. Thankfully no one was injured by this cowardly violent act. said Chris Sadowski, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Columbus Field Division We ask the community to provide any information that would lead investigators to the attacker or attackers.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Area Arson and Explosives Task Force (Task Force) is conducting the investigation. ATF and the Department of Public Safety’s Indianapolis Fire Investigation Section, comprised of investigators from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Indianapolis Fire Department, formed the task force in August 2010. The task force combines federal and local resources that are focused on investigating fire and explosive incidents in the expanding Indianapolis Metropolitan area.

ATF is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for investigating crimes of arson. More information on ATF and its programs can be found at www.atf.gov

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