Investigators search for arson suspect after string of fires targeting College Park homes

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Investigators are searching for an arson suspect after a series of fires targeting homes in a College Park neighborhood over the past several months, including a blaze that damaged part of a home early Monday while a mother and her son were inside.

Angela Johnson said she and her son were asleep when smoke alarms went off and alerted them to the fire.

“If it was not for our fire detectors, we would have been God knows what,” she said.

Johnson said the incident has left her feeling uneasy.

“It makes me feel like I’m just not safe, not safe in your own home,” she said.

College Park Fire-Rescue officials said since December there have been six fires involving three homes along John Calvin and Victoria streets. Two of the houses were vacant, officials said.

Deputy Chief Randall Slaughter said the similarities among the cases point to arson.

“In my 36 years of fighting fire, that’s a lot more than a coincidence,” Slaughter said. He said the fires all started in crawl spaces.

Slaughter said investigators want to stop the suspect before anyone is hurt.

“I just want to advise anyone who may be setting these fires to really stop and think about what you’re doing,” Slaughter said. “Because we will catch you.”

Georgia Arson Control is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Neighbors said they want the fires to stop.

“Don’t do this. This is foolish,” one neighbor said. “What if it was your family?”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Georgia Arson Control at 1-800-282-5804 or College Park authorities.