Monday, July 22, 2002
LEETONIA -- As the investigation of a firebombing on Butcher Road continues, Police Chief John Soldano said he is fielding many questions from residents.
"People are concerned -- particularly the neighbors -- and I don't blame them," Soldano said.
Soldano said there are no suspects yet and police and fire officials are trying to determine why someone threw a glass bottle containing a flammable liquid through the dining room window of the home of John and Shirley Hearn at 541 Butcher Road.
Fire officials said the resulting fire burned the dining room wall, carpeting, curtains and furniture. Fire officials said the Hearns were awakened by smoke detectors about 2 a.m. Friday and John Hearn was able to put out the fire with a garden hose.
The fire department does not have a loss estimate.
The Columbiana County Arson Task Force and the state fire marshal's office are assisting village police and fire officials, Soldano said.