Cullman County, Alabama

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Office of the Sheriff

News Release

July 28, 1999

In the early morning hours of June 10, 1999 the Cullman County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from an individual stating that Fairview High School was on fire.  The Fairview Fire Department was dispatched and immediately responded to the scene, assisted by many area fire departments.  As firemen worked diligently to distinguish the blaze, the decision was made to notify the Alabama State Fire Marshall's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for their assistance in determining the cause of the fire.  Deputies from the State Fire Marshall's Office, A.T.F. Agents along with the A.T.F.'s National Response Team responded to the scene very quickly.  As fire investigators began investigating the scene A.T.F. Agents and deputies with the Cullman County Sheriff's Office began conducting interviews and following available leads.  Approximately 4 days later, on June 14th fire investigators had come to a conclusion.  They had determined that Fairview High School was forcibly entered and fire was set therein and it was determined to be arson.  During that week the Alabama Bureau of Investigations joined the team of investigators.  We also received assistance from the Arab Police Department, Limestone County Sheriff's Office, Colbert County Sheriff's Office and Morgan County Sheriff's Office.  Our District Attorney Len Brooks also being very involved.  An now approximately 6 weeks after the fire, after a very thorough and intense investigation by investigators an arrest has been made.  Late last night one male juvenile, the age of 16, was arrested and charged with 2 counts of Burglary, Third Degree and 1 count of Arson in the Second Degree and is now being held in a State Juvenile Detention Facility. 

I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to all those who have assisted with this investigation and arrest.