Wonderful Counselor Apostolic Faith Church Fire Arson

Contact: John S. Robison, State Fire Marshal
(334) 241-4166

8/4/2000

Following a two day investigation by federal, state, and city agencies, two juveniles were charged Thursday evening with Arson Second Degree regarding the latest fire at Wonderful Counselor Apostolic Faith Church in Tuscaloosa.

The Tuscaloosa Fire Department responded to a fire at the church, 2029 East 2nd Street, Wednesday afternoon shortly before 12:30. The fire heavily damaged the church and contents.

Investigators from the Tuscaloosa Police and Fire Departments, State Fire Marshals Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms began an around the clock investigation resulting in the arrests. Initial information that a person was observed running from the scene was found to be untrue.

Additional charges involving the same juveniles will be brought today. These involve a burglary and theft at the church between 11:30 AM Friday July 14th and 7:30 AM Saturday July 15th, as well as another arson at the church on Saturday April 1st.