Your help is requested in a fatal fire investigation.
The Mansfield Division of Police responded to the area of 212 South Foster Street at approximately 2:23 AM on Wednesday morning in reference to a request from the Mansfield Fire Department to assist at a fire scene.
Upon arrival, it was learned that a fire that had started at 212 South Foster Street, a vacant house, had spread to 208 South Foster Street which was an occupied residence. The residents at 208 South Foster Street were awaken by a neighbor who had seen the flames and pounded on their door to wake them.
Unfortunately, a 3 year old female child who was staying at the residence in an upstairs bedroom was unable to be rescued due to the smoke and flames and perished in the fire. A pregnant female at that residence was transported to a local hospital for treatment after experiencing possible labor pains.
No other injuries were reported and the other 7 occupants, 3 adults and 4 juveniles, got out safely.
It appears that the fire was intentionally set at the vacant residence (212 South Foster Street) and then spread over to 208 South Foster Street. It has been reported by witnesses that a group of juveniles, possibly teenagers, were in and/or around the vacant residence prior to the fire.
At this time the State of Ohio Fire Marshal, Mansfield Fire Department, Richland County Coroner’s Office and Mansfield Police are actively investigating the crime scene. The “Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee” is offering a reward, at their discretion, of up to $5,000.00to person(s) furnishing information leading to the identification of person(s) responsible for this fire.
We are asking the community that anyone with information on this fire to please call Major Crimes Sergeant Matt Loughmanat (419) 755-9761 or Detective Rick Clapp at (419) 755-9470.
