Eastern Shore arsonist sets 25th blaze

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Troopers have confirmed two Monday evening fires as arson cases on the Eastern Shore, but have not determined if they are the work of the serial arsonist. 

Sgt. Michelle Anaya with the Virginia State Police said troopers confirmed the 25th arson on Whites Neck Road in Accomack County. The call for the fire went out between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. for a fire at an abandoned structure Sunday night.

"It's awful," Accomack County resident Ira Ashby said. "The community is at bay, so to speak. Everybody is tense as to whose property they will strike next."

This brings the total to 25 arson cases in Accomack County since November 13. There have been no injuries reported.

"They do it either for personal gain. There is also a possibility it's gang-related because of specific targets," said Rich Lagowski, clinical social worker. "There are some people who channel anger by being destructive. Fire is one mechanism that lets them be destructive."

Photos: Eastern Shore arsons

No arrests have been made, but investigators say they are working several leads.

Crews were on scene investigating what appeared to be a trailer fire Monday afternoon, but police have not confirmed whether or not it was the work of the Accomack County arsonist.

According to Anaya, two additional structural arsons occurred Monday evening; one at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Gilford Road and another just after 9:30 p.m. on Bobtown Road. Anaya said it has yet to be determined whether or not these fires were the work of the serial arsonist.

Investigators are asking citizens to be keep their eyes peeled for unusual activity around abandoned structures.

Anyone with information is asked to call Virginia State Police toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or 757-424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at 757-787-1131. There is a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in these cases.