ALBEMARLE, N.C. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for setting fire to the Parnell Law Office in Albemarle last year.
On Feb. 2, 2020, a large fire caused massive damage to the law office on S. Second St. Several nearby law offices were also damaged in the fire. Investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set.
On Tuesday, ATF agents released the below image of the vehicle they think may be connected to the crime.
Crews responded to the Parnell Law Office just after 4 a.m. The fire gutted the roof and extensively damaged the building.
Officials said while fire crews were working at the Parnell Law Office, they noticed a second fire coming from the roof of another law firm, the Lowder Law Offices and Bowling Law Firm, behind the building.
“This morning when word got out, so many clients called, so many text messages came in of support and prayers, and Mark and I both just really thankful for that and the support we’ve received from the community,” said Kirk Bowling, an attorney who worked in the buildings.
Authorities have not said what started the fire, but did say the fire at the Parnell Law Office was set and it caused the fire at the Lowder Law Offices and Bowling Law Firm next door.
“They just have to rebuild. They can do it. All these people around here are strong and have the community behind them, so they can do it,” Stanly County resident Tangy Cornett said.
Officials said seven different fire departments responded to the area and three more fire departments were staged at Albemarle Fire Stations. Investigators from agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Union County Fire Marshal’s Office’s accelerant detection K-9 were also there to help with the investigation.
In all, 76 fire crew members were on scene to help battle the fire.
Officials said no one was hurt in the fires.
An attorney told Channel 9 that at least two of the firms have different office spaces that they can use while they wait to rebuild.
Anyone with information about this crime should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-TIPS (800-283-8477).
This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.
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