movieguy Posted October 18, 2005 Report Share Posted October 18, 2005 Third Arson Where Two Gay Clubs Torched by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff Posted: October 17, 2005 9:00 pm ET (Fresno, California) Investigators spent Monday probing through the ruins of a third business destroyed by fire only steps from where two gay clubs have mysteriously burned over the past month. The most recent fire broke out at Bail-U-Out Bonds. What makes this fire different from the other two, fire officials say, is that the business is not gay owned. Other than that it appears all three fires were set by the same person or persons. The spate of arsons has gay leaders in Fresno concerned. Even though the latest fire was not in a gay business they believe someone may be targeting the gay community. Earlier this month a fire at The Dance, formerly the Fresno Express, caused $20,000 damage. (story) On Sept. 26 fire broke out at the site of North Tower Circle, a few blocks away. That fire resulted in damage estimated at $375,000. Following the North Tower fire Equality California Field Director Molly McKay said that recent anti-gay rallies in Fresno have fostered an environment that places thousands of families and children at risk. Deputy Fire Marshall Don MacAlpine said that investigators have a "person of interest" they would like to speak with/ The man is described as white, average build, with long hair. MacAlpine said that a white pickup truck may also be involved. Over the past 12 months there have been a series of arson attacks against gays and lesbians nationwide. In August a New York-based organization that tracks violence against members of the LGBT community called for a federal investigation into 4 of the arson attacks. (story) In July, a gay club in Brownsville, Texas was gutted by fire. (story) The week before, arson destroyed the only gay club in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (story) On July 9, fire damaged a gay-positive church in Middlebrook, Virginia. Police said the arsonist had scrawled a message on the exterior of St. John's Reformed United Church of Christ saying that UCC members were sinners. But, a fire at the mobile home of two gay men, originally believed to have been arson, turned out to have been set by one of the men. (story) ©365Gay.com 2005 links Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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