State police investigating bridge arsons: Parish offering reward to convict the culprit

Friday, August 20, 2004 11:03 PM CDT

The Arkansas State Police will investigate the torching of a White County bridge.

The Lone Star Road bridge over Mingo Creek was attacked by arsonists last Saturday. The structure was saved thanks to quick response by the Bald Knob Fire Department, but the road will remain closed until investigators can scour the scene, said County Judge Bob Parish.

Rick Dickinson, company commander for the Jonesboro office of the state police, said he has assigned Special Agent Mack Thompson to the case. Thompson should get to the scene Tuesday or Wednesday.

Parish said he has gotten many complaints about the closed roadway. But once Thompson collects evidence, the county road crew should have the bridge open in a few hours, he said.

Dickinson asked any one who had information about the arson to call his office at (870)931-0043. Parish has additionally offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprit.