By BECKY CRISSMAN
becky.crissman@gaflnews.com
ROCHELLE — First it was several small fires. Then a few days ago, two separately-set fires completely destroyed the home of an elderly woman here.
Now, police believe they may be dealing with a serial arsonist and are turning to the public for assistance in apprehending the perpetrator.
“The first couple of fires were very small,” said Rochelle Police Chief Keith McDuffie. “The fire department got them out and there was no significant damage.”
Then two fires, set a day apart, destroyed the home of Susie Tisdol at 241 King Avenue.
It was about 11 p.m. when the first fire was set. Tisdol, 86, was sitting inside her home with her 11- year-old granddaughter and her son, who’s in his forties, was sleeping in a nearby room.
“We yelled to my son, and he came running,” said Tisdol. “We all made it out and no one was injured.”
McDuffie said that fire was set at the back of the home and was quickly extinguished once firefighters arrived on the scene. Tisdol and other occupants of the home went to stay with nearby family.
The next morning about 5:30, the fire department was called back to the residence for a second fire that apparently had been set on the front porch. This time the blaze was too far along to control and it completely destroyed the home.
“I cannot imagine who does this sort of thing,” said McDuffie. “We are going to do all we can to find out.”
McDuffie said that often the best information law enforcement personnel can receive comes from people in the community. Many cases are solved on anonymous tips from everyday citizens, he says.
The chief asks that the public stay vigilant and remain aware of their surroundings as well.
“If you see someone or something suspicious in your neighborhood, let us know. If it is indeed a serial arsonist we are dealing with, then we need the cooperation of our citizens to bring the person or persons involved to justice. We want to get it stopped now.”
McDuffie said anyone with any information regarding this or other incidents is encouraged to contact the Rochelle Police Department. All calls will remain anonymous.
