Published: July 08, 2008 10:56 pm            

Clay County needs help in search for arsonists

Clay County authorities are seeking public help in finding arsonists whose most recent target included the historic Mount Calvary United Methodist Church.

Damage was contained to a roof over the church cellar, authorities said.

According to a media release issued by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, an emergency call was received about 7:05 a.m. Tuesday informing them that the church, near Art at County Roads 250W and 200N, was on fire.

Fire departments from Cory and Center Point were dispatched and contained the fire. The Sheriff’s Department and officers from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security determined that the fire was intentionally set, the release stated.

Notification was made to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as church burning is a federal crime, the release said.

The fire is one among several suspicious fires in the area lately.

Rewards of up to $5,000 are being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the arsonists.

Individuals with information can call the Sheriff’s Department at (812) 446-2535 or the arson hotline at 1-800-382-4628.

Construction on the Mount Calvary UMC first began during the Civil War and was completed after the war’s end, according to the media release.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.