By Mark E. Brady
Prince George’s County (MD) Fire/EMS Department
The one-year anniversary of an intentionally set fire at a Riverdale home injuring seven firefighters is just days away. The fire department is asking for help from members of the community to help us bring this case to a close by fire investigators making arrests. Currently the case remains open and under investigation.
An arson fire occurred in a vacant home at 6404 57th Avenue in Riverdale on Friday, February 24, 2012, just after 9:00 pm. One of the firefighters, Bladensburg Volunteer Sergeant Kevin O’Toole, continues to recover from his injuries and has not been able to return to full duty.
The investigation remains open and on-going in the hopes of identifying the person(s) responsible for setting this fire. We believe that someone has information that could lead investigators to identifying the arsonist. We encourage anyone that has any information about this fire to please call our fire investigators. Even the smallest detail could be important to solving this case. Please call and help us identify who is responsible for injuring seven firefighters and destroying the house.
A reward is available for information leading to an arrest. We are asking for the community’s involvement and assistance in helping to identify the person(s) responsible for setting this fire. If you have information about this incident, call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also send your tips, SECURELY and ANONYMOUSLY, via TEXT MESSAGE by typing “PGPD” plus your message, and sending it from your cell phone to “CRIMES” (274637). If your information leads the capture of whoever is responsible for this crime, you may be eligible for a CASH REWARD up to $1,000.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also set up a separate reward. To be eligible for their $5,000 reward you should call 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473).
The Prince George’s County Arson Tip Line will also accept information at 301-77-ARSON, or e-mail at 77ARSON@co.pg.md.us
