Madison sheriff’s office seeks Syria arsonist

Authorities are seeking new leads to solve a Syria arson case from the summer.

Several large stacks of firewood near a house at 3022 Weakly Hollow Road (Route 600) in Syria were intentionally set on fire sometime between 4 and 5 a.m. July 10, Madison County Sheriff’s Office Investigor Greg Garrett told The Eagle.

The reported arson incident could have had more serious consequences, Garret said. “If (the home’s resident) slept through it we could be looking at a homicide,” Garrett said. “The wood pile is very near the house.”

The fires reportedly started at several points along the fence. The fence runs for 100 to 200 yards along the road and is about six-feet tall.

“It’s striking, and all of it (is made) of cut wood,” Garrett said. “(The fire) was set in several places and looked almost as if they piled up (kindling) to burn. It wasn’t just a cigarrette someone threw. (The house is) so secluded, (which) is another reason we feel it was an intentional act. You really had to go out of your way to get there.”

Lawmen have now worked through their leads.

“It is not a cold case, but we have exhausted what leads there were,” Garrett said. “(We are asking people), in the event they saw something but didn’t say anything they can call – you never know when the slightest thing makes a difference.”

The fence has now been rebuilt and no other incidents have been reported, according to Garrett, who said he remains concerned about the incident.
“We don’t know why it was set, he had no enemies and the potential of it being a much more serious crime has us concerned.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Madison County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 948-5161 or e-mail .