CRIME OF THE WEEK
Released Aug. 21, 2009
FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEKS SUSPECTS
IN PLAYGROUND ARSON

Crime Stoppers of El Paso is assisting investigators from the Fire Marshals Office of the El Paso Fire Department in identifying the individuals who burned down a school playground in the northeast part of the city, making this the Crime of the Week.

On Friday, August 14th, about 12:30 A.M., shortly after Midnight, seven units with the Fire Department responded to a fire at Dolphin Terrace Elementary School, 9700 Pickeral.  First units on the scene reported that the playground equipment at the school was fully engulfed in flames, and placed a condition II on the fire. 

The arriving firefighters said that five male subjects were seen running away from the school shortly after the fire started.  Investigators from the Fire Marshals Office determined that the fire was intentionally set, and ruled the fire as arson.  The investigators also reported that there was a failed attempt to set another fire at a smaller playground in the school, and evidence from that attempt was collected. 

Total damages to the playground were reported at over $150,000.  This is the second playground fire set at Dolphin Terrace Elementary School.  The first fire at this school was set on Oct. 11, 2006, and caused more than $110,000 in damages.  The total cost for all school playground fires in El Paso is more than $700,000.

If you have any information at all about this crime, call Crime Stoppers of El Paso immediately at 566-TIPS(8477) or submit your tip online by clicking on the link below. You will remain anonymous and, if your tip leads to an arrest, you may earn a cash reward up to $1,000.

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

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