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Kiel Railroad Bridge Fire Ruled Arson; Crime Stoppers Award Authorized |
| During the early mornings hours on Saturday,
September 8, 2007, patrol officers from the City of Kiel discovered that
the train trestle over the Sheboygan River which is located just west of
Hingiss Park was burning. At approximately 12:27 AM on that date, our officers notified our dispatch center of the active fire and requested the Kiel Fire Department respond to the scene. Members of the Kiel Fire Department did respond and extinguish the fire, but the trestle did suffer structural damage. Further investigation by our police department leads our investigators to believe that this fire was not accidental and was intentionally set. Physical evidence found at the scene leads us to believe that the fire was started using a chemical accelerant. CAUTION: The train trestle is abandoned and although it is no longer used as an active railroad bridge, we are asking citizens to stay off the trestle as it is not safe to walk on in its current condition. Entry on the trestle would be considered "trespass." Our city crews have placed barricades on both ends of the trestle and we are attempting to notify the new owner of the property to have it repaired. At this time, we have an active arson investigation and if anyone has information related to this crime, we ask that you call our police department at 920-894-2211 or callers can report it anonymously through the Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers at 920-683-4466. |