ATF Announces up to $5,000 Reward for Information on Downtown Atwater Arson

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)  St. Paul Field Division Special Agent in Charge Bernard J. Zapor announced today the  posting of an award of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the arson fire that destroyed three downtown businesses in Atwater, Minn.  

On Feb. 28, at approximately 12:43 a.m., a fire was reported at Phat Pheasant Pasta and Brew located on Atlantic Avenue.  The fire quickly spread to two adjacent businesses, Holm Brothers Plumbing and Heating and Peterson Hardware.  The Atwater Volunteer  Fire Department responded to the scene and subsequently suppressed the large structure fire.   ATF, Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division (MSFMD), Atwater Police Department and the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office conducted a fire scene examination and determined the fire was deliberately set.  The loss value of the three businesses is estimated at approximately $2 million.

Investigators are seeking the public's help in solving this crime and are hopeful that the reward will provide additional leads in this investigation.

Anyone having information about the arson should call the following 24-hour anonymous hotline:

ATF Fire Hotline: (888) ATF-FIRE or (888) 283-3473

Callers may also provide information anonymously by contacting these offices:

ATF's St. Paul IV Field Office at (651) 726-0260
MSFMD Arson Reward Project at (800) 723-2020
Willmar Crime Stoppers at (320) 235-3640

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Contact: Special Agent Robert Schmidt, PIO-ATF
Office:   (651) 726-0316
www.atf.gov

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED