Limestone Assists College Station PD in Stolen Vehicle’s Fire Connection
By Bob Wright, The Mexia Daily News, Texas
Aug. 6–A stolen vehicle reported to College Station Police Department (PD), might or might not have caused the fire which destroyed an estimated 150 acres of patureland and more than 150 bales of round hay last Wednesday afternoon in the Shiloh area.
The hay was estimated in value as bringing from $50 to $60 a bale. The hay belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Day. Mr. Day, who was 84, while trying to protect his home and the hay crop from the raging fire, became ill and died after returning to his vehicle. Many fences on the Day property were also destroyed.
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Department is assisting the College Station PD in investigating whether or not the stolen vehicle, which was parked on Limestone County Road 433, was intentionally set afire or only burned during the pasture fire. “There are only two possibilities here,” Sheriff Wilson said. “Either the vehicle burned due to an accident, or it was intentionally set afire.”
If it’s found to have been arson, Wilson said once an arrest is made, the case will be prosecuted.
Right now, investigators believe the vehicle might be a Honda SUV. The Texas Forest Service is also in on the investigation to determine cause of the fire.
The Texas Forest Service brought in aircraft, while bulldozers were brought in by Kelly Isbell and by Limestone County, in helping to control the fire. Two helicopters were dropping water onto the blaze.
Fire departments assisting in fire control included those of Mexia, Groesbeck, Tehuacana, Coolidge, the Texas Forest Service, and the East and West Lake Limestone departments.
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