Residents meet on Coatesville's arson spree

Hours after investigators confirmed a 15th arson in Coatesville this year, more than 500 rattled residents packed a community meeting last night, seeking reassurances that their lives were not in danger.

Since Jan. 1, a terrifying arson spree that began in 2008 has escalated, leaving dozens homeless and racking up millions in damages.

The most recent fire, set in a trash can, occurred Tuesday night in the 500 block of Coates Street.

"It was definitely an arson," said John Hageman, a spokesman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives - one of the many federal, state and county agencies assisting the city.

Hoping to quell rampant fears, city officials addressed the community at Gordon Elementary School last night.

Trev Ann Guldan, who has lived in Coatesville for more than 30 years, felt the meeting was overdue.

"My frustration has been the failure of the city administration to keep us informed," she said.

City Council President Martin L. Eggleston, who ran the meeting, acknowledged residents' frustration.

"I know we're all angry; I know we're all upset, which is why we're here," he said. "The purpose of this meeting is to work together toward solutions."

District Attorney Joseph W. Carroll said he would address the crowd as though the "arsonist or arsonists are in this room."

Carroll said the type of person who commits these crimes "sometimes wants to see the fallout" or glean tips about what law enforcement is doing.

"I'm not going to talk about the tactics or techniques," he said, assuring people that law enforcement is fully staffed and well-coordinated.

Carroll, who is rehabbing a home in the city, said he is heartened by the "random acts of kindness" he sees daily. He said he believes that kind of spirit will help end this scourge, and urged people to sign up for neighborhood watches.

"We don't want people out there patrolling on their own," he said. " . . . We don't need to be falling over each other."

Carroll's words resonated with David Ruczhak, 28, who said he had been deliberately taking his dog for longer walks.

"Obviously, I won't do that now that I know it's not helpful," he said.

Ruczhak said he found the meeting reassuring but wished it had occurred sooner.

"Everyone understands that the police can't tell us everything, but it was good to have the reasons explained," he said.

Last year, the city recorded 15 arsons, well above its average of one or two a year. A Dec. 7 blaze killed 83-year-old Irene Kempest, a Nazi work camp survivor.

Although three people - all of whom remain in custody - are believed to be responsible for more than a dozen of the 2008 arsons, deliberately set blazes have continued. A four-alarm fire on Saturday gutted 15 rowhouses in the 300 block of Fleetwood Street.

The community has responded with an outpouring of support.

"There's an inherent generosity in and around this community," said Frances Sheehan, who heads the Brandywine Health Foundation in Coatesville, which donated $10,000 to a relief fund set up by Citadel Federal Credit Union. "I think you're going to see many other businesses come forward."

Sheehan said the fund is being overseen by the county's Department of Community Development. She said donations are also being collected by City Hall, the Coatesville Country Club on Reservoir Road, and many local churches. Clothing, diapers, blankets and toiletries are needed, Sheehan said.

"Through no fault of their own, these people have been made homeless," Sheehan said. "Whether you point fingers in this direction or that direction, these people need help, and it's wonderful to see people directing assistance to where it's needed."

Denise Venuti Free, a spokeswoman for the local Red Cross, said the agency would continue to provide recovery assistance.

Rewards for information leading to a conviction have been set up by the Citizens Crime Commission, which is offering $5,000, a sum that city officials said has been augmented by an additional $12,500 in pledges; Chester County, which allocated $5,000; Crime Stoppers, which will pay up to $2,000; and Citadel Federal Credit Union, $1,500.

"I certainly want to encourage people to call with information," said the ATF's Hageman.

Residents

may report suspicious activity during late-night and early-morning hours to a roving Coatesville police patrol supervisor at 610-636-0514.

To register

for reward money, people with information may contact Coatesville police at 610-384-2300, the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-8477, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-472-8477.

Contributions

to the Citadel reward or family fund can be deposited at any Citadel office or sent to Citadel Federal Credit Union, 135 Modena Rd., Coatesville, 19320. Specify the fund to which you are contributing.