Pearsall arson suspect still at large

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WHO DID THIS?

The culprit in an arson attack on city property last week is still being sought by Pearsall police, who are reporting that a tire dump was set alight, causing a smoke plume that could be seen from neighboring Medina County. Volunteer firefighters spent hours extinguishing the blaze.                                                                                        (CURRENT Photo: Manuel Azocar III)

Pearsall police are searching for a man who they believe is connected to an arson attack on city property last Wednesday.

According to a report on the case, officers were dispatched to a fire that was on city property that lies to the south of the Victor Trevino Sports Complex and behind the city dump site shortly after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9.

Thick, black smoke was visible from as far away as Devine, according to eyewitness statements, as Pearsall volunteer firefighters tackled the blaze.

In an interview Monday afternoon, officers investigating the case said that a witness saw a man without a shirt leaving the scene of the fire. The witness reportedly said the man walked towards Oak Street from Frio Street.

Pearsall police, Frio County deputies and constables secured the scene and blocked nearby roadways in an attempt to protect citizens from the blaze that burned for several hours.

According to Pearsall City Manager Federico Reyes, old equipment and several tires were set on fire.

“Most of the tires at this location are gathered from various parts of town that report and experience illegal dumping,” the city manager said. “Our goals is to have two tire round-ups a year to deal with this problem. The community’s cooperation regarding illegal dumping is greatly appreciated.”

Police are asking the community for any tips regarding the identity of the man who was seen leaving the scene.