(08/21/09) - A 16 year old Akron boy is in
juvenile detention this afternoon, a suspect in a series of seven suspicious fires
occurring August 17,18,19 and again this morning just before 2:30. All fires were set in
Akron’s North Hill neighborhood.In an afternoon news conference, arson and police
investigators said they combined forces to make the arrest in connection with the fires
that were set at vacant houses on Boder, Cuyahoga and Charles streets and on Penfield and
West Glenwood avenues.
"Residents were understandably nervous," said AFD Arson Investigator Bob
Wroblewski. "We had three fires Monday morning, two more the next morning and then
there was one set Wednesday and another today."
According to Akron Police Department Public Information Officer Lt. Rick Edwards, all
fires were set between roughly 2:30 a.m. and 5:50 a.m. It was early today, Edwards said,
the 16 year old suspect was located near this morning’s fire set at 70 West Glenwood.
He faces seven counts of breaking and entering, six counts of arson and one of aggravated
arson.
AFD Chief Larry Bunner praised the work of investigators. "Our guys and APD
combined to make this arrest four days after the first fire. We hope the quick action will
put people’s minds at ease in North Hill."
Locations of house fires:August 17---221 Boder Street at 2:50 a.m.
August 17---54 Penfield Avenue at 4:56 a.m.
August 17---88 W. Glenwood Avenue at 5:44 a.m.
August 18---318 Cuyahoga Street at 3:28 a.m.
August 18---132 Charles Street at 5:49 a.m.
August 19---187 Boder Street at 3:43 a.m.
August 21---70 W. Glenwood Avenue at 2:28 a.m.
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