Nacogdoches FD searching for juvenile fire-starter

Two fires discovered at the same location on Craven Street on consecutive days have led Nacogdoches fire investigators to believe they are searching for “a juvenile fire-starter,” according to Nacogdoches Fire Department Chief Keith Kiplinger.

Fire officials are investigating what they are describing as an “active arson case” in connection with a fire that started in an abandoned residence on Craven Street last Sunday. Another fire was reported at the same location on Monday, and authorities have a similar description of a juvenile seen in the area just before both fires were discovered, Kiplinger said.

“We had another fire at the same location on Monday,” he said. “Someone with the same description was seen there immediately before a van was discovered on fire. The inside of the van had been set on fire.”

On Sunday, a neighbor reported seeing a 13- or 14-year-old black male juvenile wearing a dark colored shirt leaving the yard of the home on a small BMX-style bicycle just before smoke was seen coming from the residence. The vacant house had no electricity or gas.

Just before Monday’s fire was discovered, a person of a similar description was seen in the area of the van, although he was not on a bike, Kiplinger said.

“Juvenile fire-setters are a big problem everywhere,” he said. “They usually start with small fires, but the fires get bigger, and then they start setting something like a house or a car on fire.

“We need to find this person and get them the help they need,” Kiplinger said.

Investigators are looking for a black male 13 to 17 years old and about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall. Anyone with information is asked to call the city fire marshal at 559-2541.
By Robbie Goodrich in The Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel