August
25, 2016
The
Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Investigations Unit need are
investigating four fires set along West Broad and West Grace streets in recent
months.
Since
April, fire investigators have responded to four suspicious fires in the 2700
blocks of West Broad and West Grace streets. All of those incidents are
currently being investigated as arson.
Around
9:50 p.m. on April 3, a small fire was found inside of a vacant apartment in
the 2700 block of West Grace Street. According to tenants, the building has a
lot of foot traffic and investigators encourage anyone who recalls seeing
anything suspicious that night to contact police.
Between
2 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on July 14, a mattress in the rear of Chapman’s Certified
Auto Repair, located at 2727 West Broad Street, was set on fire. As the
mattress burned, the fire crept up the building and into the roof area. .
Investigators believe the fire was set intentionally.
Two more
fires were set on the mornings of August 23 and August 24. These two incidents are
believed to be related at this time.
Around 5
a.m. on August 23, a vehicle was set on fire in the parking lot of Chapman’s
Certified Auto Service, located at 2727 West Broad Street. The fire spread to
four nearby vehicles.
Shortly
before 6 a.m. the next day, a vehicle was set on fire at in the rear parking
lot of an apartment building in the 2700 block of West Grace Street.
All four
cases remain under investigation.
Anyone with any information about any of these
incidents is asked to call Detective Sergeant
Angela Smith at (804) 646-5034 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can
also text Crime Stoppers at
274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip or submit a tip
online at www.7801000.com.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious
incidents by calling the Richmond Police Non-Emergency line at (804) 646-5100.
To protect life and property, the Richmond Fire Department urges residents to
be aware of their surroundings, make sure property is secure and doors to
vehicles and outside structures are locked and that trash receptacles are
placed outside only on the day of collection.
