Authorities investigate sighting of possible witness, suspect in Echo's fire; information sought

Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Nevada Daily Mail

On Monday, March 10, members of the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, State Liquor Control and Vernon County Sheriff's Office met in Nevada to review information relating to a fire that occurred on March 2, at Echo's restaurant and lounge, just west of Nevada on U.S. Highway 54.

The fire was reported at about 2:50 a.m., and firefighters said the blaze was fueled by strong winds from the south and spread rapidly throughout the structure. In the end, little was left but smoldering rubble. The lounge was closed at the time of the fire, and no one was inside. No injuries from the fire were reported.

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The building was a total loss and the official determination by the Fire Marshal's Office at the time ruled the fire of undetermined origin. Nevertheless, numerous reports from local citizens in the surrounding area prompted additional interviews and investigation into the fire and its possible origin.

The agencies are requesting assistance from the public in identifying a red Pontiac Grand Am that was observed on the Echo's parking lot just minutes before the fire as well as any additional information that may be relevant to the case.

According to a press release issued on Monday, the State Fire Marshal's Office is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information in the case.

Anyone with information should contact the State Fire Marshal's office at (800) 392-ARSON (7766), the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Springfield at (417) 895-6868 or the Vernon County Sheriff's Office at (417) 667-6042.

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wouldn't do any good to notify sheriff's office, I guess they have ONE MAN look at all reports and HE decides if they should go on to prosecutor's office, thats my experience anyway. And the sheriff won't return any phone calls, been about THREE MONTHS, still waiting!!!!!!!! May be different with fires!!

-- Posted by no more boom on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, at 3:52 PM

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