Berea arson could have led to real tragedy say police
BEREA - Police say what turned out to be a minor arson might have been a serious disaster after unknown suspects set a blaze in a dumpster on Prince Royal Drive.
According to police, the incident occured at approximately 7 a.m. last Wednesday morning when police and fire units responded to the small blaze behind the Super 8 Motel.
The suspects initially set a dumpster on fire, but then police say they tried to make matters worse in the alley behind the Good Will store, according to Captain Ken Clark.
The suspects picked up a donation intended for Good Will, then tried to use it to kindle a more serious fire.
“They took a bag of those clothes around back and set it on fire on the gas main,” Clark said.
Luckily, the second fire didn't catch.
“It either burned out or the fire department put it out before there was any major damage," Clark said. "But if you think about it, if that gas main had gone up, it would have been a real mess. It probably would have been a tragedy because that would have affected the motel, the strip mall, and it might have even gone over to the apartment complex.”
While no major damage was done, the arson is under investigation, Clark said, and police are encouraging witnesses to come forward.
“We’re asking for help on this,” Clark said. “Anybody with information about this can call the Berea Police Department (986-8456) or the Berea Fire Department (986-8232), whoever they’re comfortable talking to.”
According to police, the incident occured at approximately 7 a.m. last Wednesday morning when police and fire units responded to the small blaze behind the Super 8 Motel.
The suspects initially set a dumpster on fire, but then police say they tried to make matters worse in the alley behind the Good Will store, according to Captain Ken Clark.
The suspects picked up a donation intended for Good Will, then tried to use it to kindle a more serious fire.
“They took a bag of those clothes around back and set it on fire on the gas main,” Clark said.
Luckily, the second fire didn't catch.
“It either burned out or the fire department put it out before there was any major damage," Clark said. "But if you think about it, if that gas main had gone up, it would have been a real mess. It probably would have been a tragedy because that would have affected the motel, the strip mall, and it might have even gone over to the apartment complex.”
While no major damage was done, the arson is under investigation, Clark said, and police are encouraging witnesses to come forward.
“We’re asking for help on this,” Clark said. “Anybody with information about this can call the Berea Police Department (986-8456) or the Berea Fire Department (986-8232), whoever they’re comfortable talking to.”