CRIME OF THE WEEK
Released July 10, 2009

POLICE SEEK SUSPECTS
IN PLAYGROUND ARSON

Crime Stoppers of El Paso is assisting investigators from the Fire Marshals office and the administration of Ysleta Independent School District in identifying the person or persons who committed an intentional act of arson, making this the “Crime of the Week.”

On Saturday, May 9th, about 3:30 P.M., ten units from the El Paso Fire Department responded to a fire at Presa Elementary School, 128 Presa Place in the Mission Valley, and found the school’s playground fully engulfed in flames. The fire was sending large plumes of black smoke into the air, which caused many calls of concern from area residents.

Investigators from the Fire Marshals office determined that the fire was intentionally set. The fire completely destroyed a canopy and more than half the school’s playground equipment, causing damage that was estimated at over $50,000. There were no injuries. Arson is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Fire Investigators are asking anyone with information about this school arson, please call Crime Stoppers at 566-TIPS (566-8477) or by clicking on the "Submit tip" link below. You can remain anonymous and, if your tip leads to an arrest, you can qualify for a cash reward.

Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc. is a private non-profit organization that joins together the community, law enforcement, and the media to solve crime.

Back to Crime of the Week page

Submit a TIP online and earn a CASH REWARD of up to $1000

If you have information about a crime or the location of a fugitive, click the button below to access the TipSoft Web Tip Submission Form.

You will be directed to a secure site to upload your tip information and as always you WILL remain anonymous.