Reward of $10,000 for Information in Mosque Arson

Mosque Fire Ruled Arson

STOCKTON, Calif., May 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), San Francisco Field Division, Police Chief Blair Ulring, Stockton Police Department, and interim Fire Chief David Rudat, Stockton Fire Department announced today that the Masjid Al Emaan Mosque, Reliance Real Estate Office, and Living Well Ministries and Christian Center fire was an act of arson and are offering a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

The fire which occurred in the early morning hours of April 23, 2011 destroyed the Masjid Al Emaan Mosque and caused severe damage to adjacent businesses.  ATF joined the investigation early on with the Stockton Fire and Police Departments and provided investigative expertise to process the scene.  There were no injuries and the fire damage was estimated at $400,000.

"Arson is a violent crime that often results in devastating loss of life and property," stated Special Agent in Charge Stephen C. Herkins.  "We are committed to continuing our investigation with our partners, and I am confident that the citizens of Stockton will come forward with information that will help bring the culprit to justice."

"The loss of property and the impact on the community are always hard to understand, but it is especially disturbing when the target of the crime is a House of Worship," said Chief Blair Ulring of the Stockton Police Department.

All information will be treated confidentially and the callers will remain anonymous if requested.  Anyone having information about the fire should immediately call ATF hotline 1-888-ATF-FIRE or (209) 244-6653.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson.    

www.atf.gov

Contact: Helen Dunkel, Special Agent, PIO                                    
Office: (925) 557-2815                                                                                    
Cell: (925) 202-8135                                                                                      
[email protected]                                                                          

Contact:  Paul Willette, PIO                                                    
Stockton Fire Department                                                                
Office: (209) 937-5057                                                                        
Cell: (209) 639-9491                                                      
[email protected]    

Contact: Pete Smith
Stockton Police Department
Office: (209) 937-8209
Cell: (209) 403-0545
[email protected]

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

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