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Arson Fire in North Town with Dog Fatality Under Investigation
By frhayes | January 22, 2009
On January 21, 2009 at approximately 4:45 P.M. Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Engine Company 12 (E12) responded to the report of an unknown type fire in Houghton Park, located in the vicinity of Harding Street and Atlantic Ave.
Upon arrival E12 personnel found a smoldering fire on the grass area just west of the Skate Park. They discovered palm tree frawns covering a plastic bag that contained a dog, which appeared to be of a Chihuahua bread. The dog was deceased; it is unknown whether the dog had died due to the fire or if it had expired prior to the fire.
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), an Arson Investigator from the LBFD, and Animal Control all responded to the scene. Adults and children who were near the location of the fire were questioned to determine if there were any witnesses to the incident. Presently there are no known witnesses; however there were possible pieces of evidence that are being evaluated. The LBFD, LBPD, and Animal Control will continue in a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire, find out the circumstances surrounding this incident, and determine if possible who is responsible.
Information from the investigative team indicates that this fire may be similar to two fires involving dogs that occurred in November of 2007 that are unsolved. As information becomes available I will forward this to all media outlets.
Today, January 22, 2009 flyers have been distributed at local schools in the area and throughout the community asking for the communities help in solving this crime. An Arson Hotline has also been established at (562) 570-2582 were anyone with information regarding the dog, owner, or suspect information can be forwarded to.
If there are any specific questions or if I can be of any further assistance please contact me.
Topics: Incidents | 28 Comments »