Investigators Seek Tips in Hancock County Burglary, Fire
The Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau seeks tips from the public regarding a burglary and fire at a County Road 140 residence in Findlay (Hancock County) in early November.
On Nov. 4, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a burglary at 8249 County Road 140. Several items were stolen during the crime, which occurred between Nov 3-4, including a Ruger 9mm. handgun, 50-inch and 75-inch televisions, an Acer laptop, a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet, a Robovac and Nintendo gaming systems.
On Nov. 6, the sheriff’s office was notified of a fully-engulfed structure fire at the same residence at 3:21 a.m. The fire took several hours to extinguish, and the residence was deemed a total loss.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Liberty Township Fire Department.
Rewards of up to $5,000 by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee and $1,000 by the Crime Stoppers of Findlay/Hancock County are being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Det. Fred Smith at 419-424-7261, or the Crime Stoppers of Findlay/Hancock County at 419-425-TIPS (8477)