By MARGIE TRAX PAGE
Staff Writer
mtrax@starbeacon.com
PAINESVILLE - - The fire that destroyed an auto body shop has been ruled an arson, and police are hoping a reward will help witnesses come forward with information.
KNS Auto Body, on Route 20, went up in flames at 3:30 a.m. Sept. 13. The fire, which caused $1.6 million in damage, was definitely an arson, Lake County Sheriff's Chief Deputy William Crosier said.
"Now, we have to move on and find out who caused this fire," Crosier said.
The Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is offering a reward for information leading to the prosecution of the arsonist. Sheriff's deputies have posted signs outside the property announcing the reward, the size of which is based on the information given but could be as much as $5,000, Crosier said.
Since 1978, OBRAC has issued 407 awards, averaging about $1,000, which have helped solve at least 481 arsons, including uncovering 105 fires set to collect insurance fraudulently. OBRAC estimates savings in excess of $4 million, according to the Web site www.ohiofairplan.com/arsoncommittee.html.
Police have no suspects in the fire, but Crosier said he is hopeful that someone will come forward with information.
"We hope maybe someone in the area saw something that night. Anything could be significant," he said.
The Ohio State Fire Marshal, local fire departments and the Lake County Sheriff's detectives have weighed in on the fire, Crosier said.
"We are all working together to solve this arson. Arsons are difficult to solve; they take a lot of effort. But just because the ashes are cold doesn't mean that (the) case is cold," he said.
Crosier asks anyone having any information on the KNS case to call the Lake County Sheriff's Department (440 350-5620).
Star Beacon Print Edition: 9/28/2006
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