‘We Finally Got Them:’ New Castle, ATF Break Arson Cases

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Six young adults and two juveniles were taken into custody Tuesday in New Castle, a city that has seen dozens of confirmed arsons in vacant structures since early 2008.

“We got ‘em. That’s just — we finally got them,” Fire Chief Thomas Maciarello said during a news conference at the New Castle municipal building.Suspects were identified as:

• Ruben James Suarez, 23, accused in connection with fires at nine properties
• Steven Sheridan, 22, accused in connection with fires at seven properties
• Mark A. Quear, 20, accused in connection with fires at five properties
• Stephen Threats, 20, accused in connection with fires at four properties
• Rachelle Marie Lombardo, 24, accused in connection with fires at four properties (in custody at county jail)
• Darrell Rice Jr., 20
• A male juvenile, accused in connection with one fire
• A male juvenile, accused in connection with one fire

New Castle has had a total of more than 100 fires in vacant structures since early 2008, including 34 since mid-2007 in the city’s lower east side alone.”A big break came when a resident called us one evening that she heard glass breaking in on one of the lower east side neighborhoods,” police Chief Thomas Sansone said.The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives became involved in the investigation about six weeks ago and played a role with New Castle authorities in breaking the case.

“They partnered very well with New Castle police, teamed up with their lead detective and conducted scores of interviews, analyzed the evidence and were integral in helping to obtain confessions from some of these folks,” said Jim Tanda, supervisor of the ATF’s Pittsburgh office.While no serious injuries were ever reported, the city has been forced to pay overtime to firefighters and spend money to demolish some of the damaged buildings.”You know, you have one or two arsonists, but to have eight, it really taxes the police department, the fire department, the ATF helping us,” Sansone said.Police don’t have a motive, though they said copper pipes were removed from buildings in some cases. Sansone said the suspects all knew each other but worked in groups of two or three.New Castle officials have established an arson tip line. Anyone with information about any fires is asked to call 724-656-3067.”Hopefully, we can rest a little easier now, but our job isn’t completed. Just as I said, what we need is the public’s help,” Sansone said.

Story by thepittsburghchannel.com

1 Hurt In Heidelberg Fire Department Robbery

HEIDELBERG, Pa. — Police in Allegheny County are investigating a violent robbery at a local fire station. Channel 4 Action News’ Amber Nicotra reported at least one person was hurt during the robbery at the Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday morning.Police are looking for four men involved in the robbery, at least one of whom was armed with a gun.Around 2:30 a.m. the men broke in to the fire department, located in the 400 block of First Street in Heidelberg.Emergency dispatchers told Nicotra there was a poker game going on at the station at the time.Police have not said how many people were inside the building at the time of the robbery or how much money was taken. At least one person was injured when that person was hit on the head with a gun.Officers are still searching the area and said their investigation is ongoing.

Article from WTAE

Fire Audio – Man Found Alive During Overhaul Ops

This is the audio from the October 11th, 2009 Ross Twp fire where a man was found alive after the fire was mostly extinguished.  Initial fire conditions and partial roof collapse prevented firefighters from doing initial searches, however the victim was found asleep once later walkthroughs were being performed.

Here is the link to the audio.

Hoopie World Night is Wednesday, October 7th

I would like to invite everyone to the online Hoopie World night at 8pm eastern on Wednesday, October 7th.  “Hoopie Night” was the idea of one of our regular visitors to have an online meet-n-greet and just hang out for a while.  We are also going to try to break the record for most users online at one time on our forums.

The main meeting place will be in the forums at http://hoopieworld.com/boards.  You don’t have to register to come, however you do need to be registered and login to use the shoutbox/chat feature.  The plan is just to have some running threads and chat about current events, the site, or whatever we feel like it at the moment.  I know the Pens are on, so I’ll be sure to have that on in the background.

I hope to see everyone online there, also there may be some giveaways (Hoopie Tshirts) so spread the word.