On 10/31/14 at approximately 1:09 A.M., Columbia Fire Department (CFD) and Columbia Police Department (CPD) were dispatched to a fire at 2102 Garth Avenue, Parkade Baptist Church. On 11/16/14 at approximately 4:54 A.M., CFD and CPD were dispatched to a fire at 1610 N. Garth Avenue, Bach Yager Funeral Home.
On 1/8/15, we heard from Fire Marshall Brad Fraizer and Detective Steve Wilmoth that both fires were intentionally set and the suspect is targeting churches. Both CFD and CPD is asking for the community’s help with information regarding the fires.
If you, or anyone you know, was in the areas prior to or after the fires were set and have information on suspicious activity or person(s), please contact Detective Steven Wilmoth with the Columbia Police Department at (573) 441-5480, or call CrimeStoppers at 573-875-TIPS.