News Release from: Vancouver Police Dept.
JUVENILE ARRESTED IN RECENT VANCOUVER ARSONS
Posted: May 14th, 2012 10:43 AM
On May 09, 2012, the Vancouver Fire-Arson Unit arrested a juvenile for six counts of Reckless Burning II and one count of Arson II. The fires started April 21 and continued through April 28, 2012 within the Westside Carter Park neighborhood. The juvenile started 8 fires during this timeframe. Several of the fires were set to recycling bins and one fire spread to the carport thus threatening the house.
Two important volunteer organizations contributed to the success of this investigation which helped end this arson spree. The Fire Department's Fire Corps group and the Police Department's Neighbors On Watch (NOW) group distributed some 600 "arson awareness and prevention" flyers within the neighborhood which lead to tips coming into the investigation unit. The investigation unit processed the tips which helped the arson investigators arrest the juvenile responsible for these fires. Heidi Scarpelli, Fire Marshal said "Fire Corps / NOW volunteers are to be commended for their dedication to our community and their assistance to the fire-arson unit. Scarpelli said this is example of the importance of volunteerism and reminding people when they observe something suspicious to let fire/police authorities know."
"Vancouver's team approach of fire marshal and law enforcement personnel has been critical to the overall success of the unit" said Greg Raquer, Vancouver Police Sergeant. Raquer said "Vancouver's combined unit is practical, efficient and effective in all aspects of fire investigation and combating the crime of arson." Vancouver's fire investigators are trained in fire investigation methodology, technology, and science to preserve and process evidence from the incident to be used in court testimony" said Heidi Scarpelli.
Historically, arson cases are tough to crack and catching someone red-handed, with lighter in hand is extremely rare. Most arsonists are long gone before the fire marshal or others arrive on scene. Some clues too, are gone, altered or reduced to ashes. That makes arson a uniquely difficult crime to solve. Raquer said, "Throughout 2011, the combined Vancouver Fire-Arson Team investigated 54 fires which included incendiary/explosive device incidents. The fire investigation casework was multi-disciplined; this included structure, vehicle, vessel and wild-land fires."
The Vancouver Fire-Arson Team is comprised of 7 deputy fire marshals and 3 police officers. Additionally, Vancouver's unit participates in the regional Metro Fire Investigation Team comprised of federal, state and city law enforcement and fire agencies.
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