ARSON UPDATE Several People Indicted On Arson Charges In Huntington
Reported by: Bethany Simmons
Web Producer: Bethany Simmons
Reported: Apr. 5, 2012 3:42 PM EDT
Updated: Apr. 5, 2012 9:45 PM EDT
Eyewitness News Photo
Huntington
, Cabell County
, West Virginia
We're learning more about the rash of arsons that have consumed the city of Huntington, particularly the west end and the Guyandotte area since the start of the year.
In a press conference held Thursday afternoon, the Prosecutor's Office released the following statement:
"The Huntington Fire Department, Huntington Police Department, State Fire Marshal's Office and my [the Prosecutor's] Office have all been actively involved in the investigation of these fires. Today, we can announce that three individuals were indicted last week by the Cabell County Grand Jury for First Degree Arson. Brent M. Broce was indicted for a fire at 511 West Ninth Avenue on January 12, 2012; Quinton Kennie was indicted for a fire at 831 West Ninth Street on February 2, 2012; and Thomas Atkins was indicted for a fire at 1415 Fourth Avenue on September 24, 2010. The penalty for First Degree Arson is up to 20 years in prison."
The release goes on to say "In addition to those three individuals, the police have also arrested a Patrick Adkins on a charge of First Degree Arson for an arson at 1669 Twelfth Avenue, which occurred on March 20, 2012. Also, yesterday [Wednesday April 4, 2012] a juvenile was charged in a juvenile petition with Fourth Degree Arson for setting a dumpster on fire at 925 Third Street at the Huntington Middle School."
That juvenile's name will not be released, and those charges are accusations as these individuals are presumed innocent as of now.
"The investigation into these series of fires is ongoing. We are receiving information from the public and those tips are obviously being looked into."
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report anything unusual around their homes, whether abandoned or not, to police.
MORE NEWS FROM EYEWITNESS NEWS
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS Scattered Storms Hit Region May. 22, 2013 11:35 PM EDT Heavy rains and winds ripped through the region Wednesday ...
Clark school board hears warning over facilities May 22, 2013 7:40 PM EDT Clark County school board Chairman Michael Kuduk says the board will probably have to comply with orders from Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday to start implementing a controversial facilities plan.
Ohio bill would extend Medicaid, add cost sharing May 22, 2013 6:32 PM EDT A Republican state lawmaker is proposing to link Medicaid expansion in Ohio to job training that could ultimately reduce the need for participation in the program.