The investigation into the fire reported on September 17, 2012 at Loftis Middle School is continuing with assistance and cooperation from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

A monetary reward of $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest of the person or persons involved in this incident. Detective David Sowder, Fire Investigator with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office advised multiple fires were set throughout the building as well as the theft of electronic equipment and cash. Evidence at the scene also supports investigators belief that the suspect(s) sustained a major cut injury during the commission of the burglary and arson event.

ATF Resident Agent in Charge Darryl Hill said, “There is a clear and compelling Federal interest in what occurred at Loftis Middle School on September 17, 2012. ATF and its law enforcement partners remain focused on bringing to justice the person or persons responsible for the malicious act. Please call ATF’s 24 hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE with any information that will assist us in doing so.”

“The State Fire Marshal’s Office is eager to see those responsible for this arson brought to justice,” State Fire Marshal and Tennessee Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak says, “We lend our expertise to fire investigations every day. And, we will continue to work with our sister agencies in this and other cases.”

Attached to this release are several pictures of a cap and sunglasses found by investigators at the scene and a poster prepared by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with the 24 hour hot line number 1-888-ATF-FIRE.