Saturday, September 8, 2007

Suspect sought in Wyoming County strip mine arson

Suspect sought in Wyoming County strip mine arson

COAL MOUNTAIN --
A $27,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist who torched more than $5 million worth of equipment at a strip mine in Wyoming County.Two end-loaders worth $2.2 million apiece and another one valued at $750,000 were declared a total loss following the Monday night fire at Dynamic Energy Strip Mine in Coal Mountain, state Fire Marshal's Office spokeswoman Kim O'Brien said Thursday.

The blaze was ruled an arson on Tuesday, she said.
An adult male driving a black ATV with red stripes and chrome rims was seen in the area just before the fire.

Bluestone Coal, which owns Dynamic Energy, is offering a $25,000 reward. The Fire Marshal's Office is kicking in another $2,500.
The toll free, 24-hour arson hot line is (800) 233-FIRE.