TPD Seeks Public Assistance in Identifying Arson Suspects

The Toledo Police Department (TPD) is reaching out to the community for assistance in identifying two arson suspects. According to TPD, the incident took place on August 6th when the suspects allegedly set a vehicle on fire on the 1100 block of Sisson Drive.

The plea for help comes as TPD hopes to gather any valuable information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the individuals responsible for the arson. If you have any information, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously, and you might be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

In a related matter, a Toledo man named Damon Pirtle has pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated arson. The charges stem from an incident on June 6th where Pirtle allegedly set fire to a pile of clothes inside an occupied building. Court records show that Pirtle used lighter fluid as an accelerant and was discovered alone in the building by officers.

Pirtle was formally indicted by a Lucas County grand jury on June 17th and is set to return to court on July 30th for his trial. With an aggregate bond set at $100,000, the judicial process will determine the outcome of the charges against him.

While these incidents are concerning, the Toledo Fire & Rescue Fire Prevention Bureau continues to prioritize the safety of Toledo residents and businesses. Through fire safety inspections, education programs, and rigorous fire code enforcement, they aim to prevent such dangerous events from occurring in the first place.

Among their many responsibilities, the Bureau conducts over 3,000 general fire safety inspections yearly and reviews construction plans to ensure compliance with fire protection standards. They also offer extensive public education on fire prevention, reaching over 50,000 people annually, including school children, senior citizens, and business groups.