The investigation into the fire reported on Sept. 17, at Loftis Middle School is continuing with assistance and cooperation from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest of the person or persons involved in this incident. Detective David Sowder, fire investigator with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office advised multiple fires were set throughout the building as well as the theft of electronic equipment and cash. Evidence at the scene also supports investigators belief that the suspect(s) sustained a major cut injury during the commission of the burglary and arson event.
ATF Resident Agent in Charge Darryl Hill said, “There is a clear and compelling Federal interest in what occurred at Loftis Middle School on Sept. 17. ATF and its law enforcement partners remain focused on bringing to justice the person or persons responsible for the malicious act. Please call ATF’s 24 hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE with any information that will assist us in doing so.”
“The State Fire Marshal’s Office is eager to see those responsible for this arson brought to justice,” State Fire Marshal and Tennessee Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak said. “We lend our expertise to fire investigations every day. And, we will continue to work with our sister agencies in this and other cases.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 24-hour hotline number is 1-888-ATF-FIRE.