Officials seek help finding arson suspect

The Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau is seeking tips from the public regarding four residential fires in Garfield Heights, according to a news release.

Due to the locations, officials believe they may all be connected.

The first incident occurred in the early morning hours of Aug. 3 when at least one person broke into the backyard of 4886 E. 97th St., and used an unknown liquid in an attempt to ignite the rear porch but was unsuccessful, according to the release. The homeowner was out of town at the time of the incident. Doorbell camera footage captured footage of the suspect.

Four days later, at the same residence, the owners were inside their home about 2:30 a.m. when an unknown suspect threw a device through a window and set the house on fire, according to the release. All occupants escaped the home unharmed.

About 5:30 a.m. Aug. 5, neighbors witnessed three males using gasoline to set fire to the back of the home of 4892 E. 97th St., according to the release. One of the three suspects was arrested a few blocks from the scene.

The fourth incident occurred about 6 a.m. Aug. 26 when an unknown suspect threw a device through the front window of 12808 Thraves Road and set the dining room ablaze, according to the release. The occupants extinguished the fire and were not injured.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each fire.

The Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau is working with the Garfield Heights police and fire departments to investigate these incidents. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the State Fire Marshal’s office tip line at 800-589-2728 or the Cuyahoga County Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463.