Tips are sought in deadly fire

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a Richmond Heights arson.

The fire occurred around 4:10 p.m., Sept. 21, at the Loganberry Ridge Apartments, 26720 Whiteway Drive. According to the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau, the incident started inside an elevator car that closed before bystanders were able to extinguish the fire. The burning elevator car opened on the third floor, killing a resident of the apartment complex. Several others were injured.

Several occupants were trapped inside their apartments and had to be rescued by the Richmond Heights Fire Department. The building’s third floor sustained extensive fire damage, making the third and fourth floors uninhabitable. This is one of several incidents, including fires, that has occurred at apartment buildings in the area in recent months.

The investigation is being conducted jointly by the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Richmond Heights Police Department and the Richmond Heights Fire Department.

The reward is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee.

Anyone with information is asked to call the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728 or the Cuyahoga County Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463.