SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) — Officials are offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who can provide information about whoever set fire to a church in Smithfield back in December.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering the reward to whoever can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire.
The fire damaged one of the corners of the church building, spreading to the interior and causing significant smoke and structural damage.
In addition, the Rhode Island Arson Watch Reward Program is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to those responsible.
The ATF said a person or persons in a blue SUV drove onto the property in the early morning of Dec. 18. The SUV is seen on surveillance video traveling to the rear of the building where the fire was intentionally set in a wooden shed next to the church.
According to the ATF, the fire quickly spread from the shed to the church causing more than $350,000 worth of damage.
Anyone with information about the fire or those involved should contact the ATF’s 24-hour hotline at 1-888-283-3473 or the Rhode Island Arson Watch hotline at (401) 383-7723.
