Corrigan Police Chief, Darrell Gibson (center) and investigators look over playground equipment that was set ablaze earlier in the morning in Corrigan, March 3, 2015.
Arson Suspected in Corrigan Park Fire, CORRIGAN, March 3, 2015 - A fire destroyed playground equipment early in the moring at Corrigan Central Park on March 3, 2015. Corrigan Police Department, the FBI and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the fire.
Evidence suggests that the park equipment was set on fire early Tuesday morning according to Corrigan Chief of Police, Darrell Gibson. A witness who lives near the park was contacted by Corrigan P.D. The resident advised that when they had left their residence at 5:40 a.m., there was no visible fire. However, the 911 call came in approximately five minutes later.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office spent the morning at Central Park with Corrigan Police Department. The investigators have been searching for any clues that might lead to the type of accelerant that might have been used to start the fire.
According to City Manager, Darrian Hudman, the playground equipment is made of heavy duty plastic and aluminum. Hudman stated that the park was just built and opened in September of 2014.
According to Chief Gibson, the park is a total loss. Hudman stated, “This is an ongoing investigation. I look forward to the facts being put together and an arrest being made. This is a sad situation for our children and our entire community.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Corrigan Police Department at (936) 398-2511. A possible $3,000.00 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the responsible party or parties. Corrigan Police Department, Polk County Crime Stoppers and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office have combined $1,000.00 each, totaling the possible $3,000.00 reward.
Special thank you: Johnna Lowe Gibson for the pictures.
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Chief Gibson stated that the park is a total loss.
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