Durham police offer reward for arrest of suspect in apartment fires, burglaries

Three arsons and four burglaries happened just days apart at the Lynn Haven apartments and many residents are wondering if they will be the next victims.

The first fire was reported at 12:24 p.m. Aug. 2 at Lynn Haven Apartments, at 917 Wadesboro St. Two apartments sustained fire damage, six more sustained smoke damage and a dog and a cat died in the fire.

The second fire occurred at about 4:30 a.m. Aug. 11 at the complex's main office. A piece of wood was burned under the office window, causing damage to an outside wall.

A third fire that happened at about 3:40 a.m. Aug. 19 in the laundry room next to the main office destroyed all of the washing machines and dryers.

Police said all of the fires had been set.

Three apartment burglaries in the complex were reported on Aug. 7. All three were at apartments that had been damaged by the Aug. 2 fire.

A fourth burglary was reported on Aug. 9.

Boarded windows and yellow tape serve still serve as a bitter reminder of the series of crimes at the apartment complex.Many parents have said they are concerned about the string of incidents because a lot of children live and play at the apartment complex.

Residents could not think of anybody who could be behind the crimes, but hope that the perpetrator is caught soon.

Anyone with information about any of these crimes is asked to call Durham police at 919-560-4281, extension 29119, or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.