Person of interest sought, $5K reward offered in Gayborhood arson

Investigators are seeking a man in connection with a three-alarm fire in the Gayborhood Sept. 15, said Steven Bartholomew, public information officer for the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The fire, which started about 4:30 a.m. at a restaurant construction site at 13th and Chancellor streets, has been ruled an arson, Bartholomew said. Damages are estimated at $1 million.

Surveillance images released Sept. 17 show a bald, black man wearing a long blue button-down shirt in the area of interest shortly before the fire. Authorities have not said the man is a suspect, but would like further information and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the man.     

Anyone with information regarding the arson or person of interest should call the ATF 24/7 hotline at 1-888-283-3473 or email [email protected].

The ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the arson.

Authorities believe the fire started at the former Letto Deli, 208 S. 13th St. The site is under construction to become a French restaurant, Maison 208. People living in the nearby Chancellor and Gramercy apartment buildings were evacuated and dozens were told they could not return to their apartments because of broken or melted windows, residents said.

It took about 100 firefighters more than an hour to control the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Bartholomew said certified fire investigators examined the scene to determine it was arson, but he could not elaborate on the exact cause because the investigation is ongoing.

“It’s now a criminal investigation,” Bartholomew said, noting that the ATF, Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia Fire Department are looking at additional videotapes from surrounding businesses and conducting interviews.

“We encourage the public to provide any information that will aid investigators in quickly identifying and arresting the arsonist,” said Sam Rabadi, ATF Special Agent in Charge, in a statement. “Intentionally setting a fire causes significant property damage, disrupts people’s lives and can cause serious injury or worse. ATF will target those who commit criminal acts of arson and remove them from our streets in handcuffs.” 

 

 

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