Thursday, Apr. 23, 2009

$10k reward offered in Newman arson fire

A reward of as much as $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for an arson fire that caused $1 million in damage to the Odd Fellows building in downtown Newman.

The fire was reported at about 5 a.m. on Saturday in the 900 block of Fresno Street. The blaze also displaced the six businesses that were renting space in the historic building.

Authorities ask anyone with information about this case to call officer Edgar Lopez at 862-2902 or Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters also can e-mail tips at www.modestopolice.com/crimestoppers, or text them to (274637) by typing "tip704" plus the message.