TYLER, TEXAS -
State and federal law enforcement agencies are trying to determine who has been setting fire to churches in eastern Texas.
Fire broke out at two churches about three miles apart Monday night in a rural area northwest of Tyler, which is about 85 miles southeast of Dallas. Investigators have not confirmed them as arson, but they were reported within an hour of one another and eight other churches have been intentionally torched in the state since the start of the year.
There were no injuries reported at either of the Monday blazes, but authorities say both structures suffered heavy damage.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is leading the investigation into the church fires.
The reward for information on the identity of the arsonist who has burned at least eight churches in the East Texas area since Jan. 1 has been increased to $25,000.
Investigators from numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the area have been working together on a task force dedicated to finding the suspect. The task force has received numerous tips, but needs additional credible leads. Anyone with information on the identity of the person(s) committing these arsons is urged to call 903-675-0061 or 903-675-0062. These numbers are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DPS remains dedicated to providing numerous resources to the task force, including Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigation Division agents, aviation assets and Texas Highway Patrol troopers.
"We are working closely with our federal and local partners," said Steven C. McCraw, director of the DPS. "We are committed to sending whatever resources are required to bring this suspect to justice."
Fire broke out at two churches about three miles apart Monday night in a rural area northwest of Tyler, which is about 85 miles southeast of Dallas. Investigators have not confirmed them as arson, but they were reported within an hour of one another and eight other churches have been intentionally torched in the state since the start of the year.
There were no injuries reported at either of the Monday blazes, but authorities say both structures suffered heavy damage.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is leading the investigation into the church fires.
The reward for information on the identity of the arsonist who has burned at least eight churches in the East Texas area since Jan. 1 has been increased to $25,000.
Investigators from numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the area have been working together on a task force dedicated to finding the suspect. The task force has received numerous tips, but needs additional credible leads. Anyone with information on the identity of the person(s) committing these arsons is urged to call 903-675-0061 or 903-675-0062. These numbers are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DPS remains dedicated to providing numerous resources to the task force, including Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigation Division agents, aviation assets and Texas Highway Patrol troopers.
"We are working closely with our federal and local partners," said Steven C. McCraw, director of the DPS. "We are committed to sending whatever resources are required to bring this suspect to justice."
