“This particular area of the city is experiencing a heightened arson problem,” he said. “And with this, you always run the risk of a fire getting out of control, a wind-swept fire. You run the risk of losing multiple homes.”
Rachel Gerla has witnessed the fires from her own front porch. On Monday, she saw a man leaving the back of the house on Linden Avenue and hopped a fence. She said she gave the information to police, and feels people need to do more to catch whoever is behind the arson.
“It’s just kind of bothersome it’s so close,” she said. “It makes me wonder, am I next?”
Several homes and businesses have surveillance systems and arson investigators are reviewing footage. No suspect has specifically been identified. While Dayton police are increasing patrols through the area, Sheehan said they’re asking residents to remain vigilante.
“Some (arsonist) do it for the money. Some do it for the thrills and we don’t know the motive in this particular case. We definitely want to catch this person and let the citizens know their neighborhood is safe again,” he said.
Tips can be called in anonymously using CrimeStoppers at (937) 222-7867.
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