ATF Offers $5,000 Reward in Bozeman School Fire

Fire at Heritage Christian School determined to be arson

BOZEMAN, Mont., Aug. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Andrew L. Traver, Denver Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Sheriff Brian Gootkin, Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire at Heritage Christian School, 4310 Durston Road, Bozeman.  

During the late night hours of Aug. 25, the Bozeman Fire Department responded to a fire at Heritage Christian School.  Investigators have determined the fire was intentionally set.     

"Arson is a dangerous and potentially deadly crime that impacts an entire community" said Traver.  "We take the crime of arson very seriously and will aggressively pursue those who wantonly disregard the safety of others."

 "The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office will continue to work closely with ATF to investigate this incident," said Gootkin.

The arson at Heritage Christian School is being investigated by ATF Billings Field Office, Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, Bozeman Fire Department, and the Bozeman Police Department.  Anyone with information about this crime should contact the following agencies:

Gallatin County Sheriff's Office: 911

ATF Arson Hotline 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473)

ATF Billings Field Office: (406) 657-9700

All information will be treated confidentially and callers can remain anonymous upon request.  

More information on ATF and its programs can be found at www.atf.gov.

Contact: Special Agent/PIO Brad Beyersdorf
(303) 575-7604
www.atf.gov

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives