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State Police look for Eastern Shore arsonist

Posted at 5:30 PM, Dec 22, 2012
and last updated 2013-01-22 08:05:48-05

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - State Police are still looking for a serial arsonist on the Eastern Shore.

The say some of the 36 arsons have been set by a copycat.

Sgt. Jean-Paul N. Koushel told Delmarvanow.com that he is certain that the perpetrator of these fires is most likely a resident of Accomack County.  Koushel says that they are examining some people, but declined to go into further detail.

The latest arson happened Thursday night around 10 p.m.  Some residents want the fires to stop now.

"There are some vacant homes, so it does worry me and I think it's worrying everybody," one resident said.

There are about 800 abandoned homes on the Eastern Shore, so investigators are not sure where the suspect could strike next.

State Police tell Delmarvanow.com anyone caught setting a building on fire will be arrested and could face up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

There is a $5,000 reward being offered to help find the arsonist.