30 fires have been set in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania suburb of Coatesville since early 2008, 15 of which have been set in the first 3 weeks of January 2009. Police believe the latest string of fires is the result of a copycat since 3 people were arrested in December in association with the other 15 fires.New York Times: Fire Thought to Be Arson Damages 15 Homes in... (January 26, 2009)
On Saturday, January 24, 2009 the latest in a string of suspected arson fires destroyed 15 homes in the Philadelphia suburb of Coatesville and prompted local police to declare a state of emergency. It is believed that the most recent fires are being set by more than 1 person due to the distance and timing between fires. Police are urging residents to turn on porch lights or install motion detector lights, as well as remove anything flammable from their porches.New York Times: Fire Thought to Be Arson Damages 15 Homes in... (January 26, 2009)
On March 23, 2009, police arrested an assistant chief of volunteer firefighters, Robert Tracey, for allegedly setting two fires on March 20, 2009, though he is not believed to be tied to any other arsonist operating in the area. The criminal complaint lists nine charges against Tracey, including arson.CNN: Pennsylvania firefighter charged in two arsons
The Confession
On Monday, January 19, 2009 it was revealed in court that George Donkewicz, 22, had confessed to setting some of last years fires. He was arrested on December 9, 2008 for the grocery store fire that killed an 83-year-old woman, as well as 4 other fires. In a videotaped confession he admitted that "voices had told him to set the fires and kill people."MyFox Philadelphia: Neighbors, Police Joining Forces As Coatesville... (January 26, 2009)
Coatesville Arsonist News and Blogs
- cbs3.com: Suspected Coatesville Arsonist Behind Bars (December 10, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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30 arsons have been reported since last year, 15 of which have occurred in the last 3 weeksNew York Times: Fire Thought to Be Arson Damages 15 Homes in... (January 26, 2009)
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Police believe latest fires are copycats, and are being set by more than 1 personNew York Times: Fire Thought to Be Arson Damages 15 Homes in... (January 26, 2009)
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15 homes destroyed in most recent fire, including the home of city councilwoman Robin ScottNew York Times: Fire Thought to Be Arson Damages 15 Homes in... (January 26, 2009)
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Most recent fire has caused Coatesville officials to declare a state of emergencyNew York Times: Fire Thought to Be Arson Damages 15 Homes in... (January 26, 2009)
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$5,000 reward being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of those involved in the latest fire or recent fires in the areaWFMZ-TV: Suspicious Fire Causes Terror, Heartbreak (January 26, 2009)
