A deliberately set fire caused about $5,000 in damages early Tuesday morning at University Park, Penn State police said. They’ve dubbed the incident an arson case.
The fire seems to have started about 5:35 a.m., apparently helped along by an accelerant in an area at Redifer Commons, according to a police report. Police said it happened near Louie’s convenience store off McKean Road.
A sprinkler extinguished the fire within minutes, according to the report. It ‘appears to have been caused by a person(s) throwing an accelerant on an automated teller machine located in a small, tiled lobby area and setting fire to it,’ the report reads. ‘The ATM belongs to PNC Bank. Most of the damage that was incurred is water damage from the sprinkler system.
‘Water reportedly flowed into public areas within Redifer dining, Louie’s store and several storage rooms beneath the lobby,’ the report goes on.
Campus police and Alpha Fire Company firefighters responded to the scene.
Police are seeking witnesses who saw anyone with an accelerant in the area; they also want to interview anyone who may have had an accelerant stolen. In addition, police are asking people to contact police ‘if they may have come into contact with individual(s) who smelled of smoke or an accelerant.’
‘Anyone with information should contact university police immediately … at (814) 863-1111 or Centre County Crimestoppers at (877) 99-CRIME,’ police wrote in an announcement. ‘People providing information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.’
Callers may remain anonymous. Tipsters also can report information via the Penn State Silent Witness website: http://www.police.psu.edu/witness/.
