Crime & Safety

Sixth Arson Fire Strikes Same St. Pete Neighborhood

Detectives are investigating a Thursday evening arson at a vacant home, the sixth to be reported in the Causeway Isle neighborhood since October 2011.

Detectives are investigating a Thursday evening fire at a vacant home that they say is the sixth arson in the same St. Petersburg neighborhood since October 2011.

The St. Petersburg Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a vacant home in the 100 block of 79th Street South in the Causeway Isle neighborhood around 8 p.m. Thursday, officials said.

The fire, which caused an estimated $5,000 in damage, was quickly extinguished.

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Two prior arsons have taken place at the same vacant residence, on Jan. 2 and on Sept. 4 of last year.

"As in the last case in January, forced entry was made into the residence and
interior furnishings were set on fire," a police spokesperson said in a news release. "Again no one was seen going to or leaving the residence and investigators are still seeking information which may lead to the apprehension of the suspect(s) involved in these cases."

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Anyone with information regarding the arsons is asked to call the police department's non-emergency number at 727-893-7780, Text-A-Tip to 727-420-8911 or leave a confidential tip at 727-892-5000.

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