Suspects wanted in Moscow probation office fire

MOSCOW - Moscow police are still looking for those who may be responsible for an early morning fire last month that caused significant damage to the Idaho District 2 Probation and Parole office.

The fire was reported about 8 a.m. Nov. 21 at the building on Moscow's South Main Street. Police said the building was unoccupied at the time so there were no injuries, but the blaze resulted in damage to the attic and two rooms.

Moscow Police Chief David Duke said Thursday police believe the fire was discovered within two hours of when it started. The fire was intentionally set, police said, based on evidence found at the scene. Investigators believe it started along an outside wall.

Duke said police have not received any legitimate tips or information pertaining to who may be responsible for the fire. Investigators are still seeking any additional information from the public that may help point them toward possible suspects.

"We're still processing some evidence for anything that may point us to who might have been on scene, but we're waiting for that to go through the lab," he said.

The Moscow Police Department is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible. That reward now totals $6,000 after the Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office offered an additional $5,000 this week through the Northwest Insurance Council.

Anyone who may have observed suspicious activity near the building, or who has any information about the fire is asked to call the Moscow Police Department at (208) 882-2677, the anonymous tip line at (208) 892-3898, or the Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office at (877) 752-7766.

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Rudd may be contacted at erudd@lmtribune.com or (208) 791-8465. Follow her on Twitter @elizabeth_rudd.